Obituary of Nicholas Lyras

Nicholas A. Lyras

OBITUARY

Nicholas Lyras was born in Gary, Indiana, in 1935. He graduated from DePauw University and Duke Law School and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He served in the Inspector General’s office in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged.  

For over 50 years, Nicholas was deeply involved in the steamship business, working in Athens, London, and New York. He was one of the founders of Orient Mid East, whose deep-water ships were among the first to navigate between ports in the Far and Middle East and the Great Lakes.

Nicholas was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle, serving on the parish council for 30 consecutive years and singing in the choir for just as long. In recognition of his service, he was named an honorary trustee of the church. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese awarded him the prestigious Medal of St. Paul, and he was made an Archon by the Patriarch of Constantinople.

Beyond his professional and church commitments, Nicholas had a passion for the arts and sports. He served on the board of the Concordia Orchestra in New York City and was a high school basketball referee in Westchester County for 48 years.

Nicholas is survived by his beloved wife, Georgia, his daughter Alexandra and her husband Angelo, his son Alexander and his wife Christina, and his cherished grandchildren, Athanasia and Dimitrios. He is also survived by his sister, Maria Mercury, her husband Michael, and their family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Scholarship Fund, 10 Mill Road, New Rochelle, NY 10807

May his memory be eternal!