Nick Barkas
April 6, 1946 ~ December 1, 2007
Nick Barkas, 61, of Moorehead City, NC, formerly of Weirton, passed away December 1, 2007, at Carteret General Hospital, Moorehead City, NC. He was born April 6, 1946, in Corpus Christi, TX, the son of the late George Nicholas and Irene G. Pizania Barkas. His son in law Sam Best, and brother in law, Stanley Kamarados, also preceded him in death.
Nick was a business entrepreneur, operating several restaurants in North Carolina. When in Weirton, Nick operated a retail car sales business. He served his country in the US Air Force during the Viet Nam War. He was a member of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, and the Ahepa Lodge.
He is survived by his wife, Diana Lamp Barkas of Moorehead City, NC; his three sons, George N. and Jasmine Barkas of Logansport. IN, Thomas E. Barkas and Michael Jason Mosser Barkas both of Moorehead City, NC; his four daughters, Barbara L. Barkas of Indianapolis, IN, Irene A. Best of Lafayette, IN, Deborah Steineman of Logansport, IN, and Nicolina A. Barkas of Moorehead City, NC; his sister, Lillian Kamarados of Weirton, WV; his ten grandchildren, Shawn Delaney, Joey A. Waymire, Ashley Barkas, Samson, Patrick and Gilbert Best, Jacob and Kayla Steineman, Nicholas Barkas and Brianna Baker.
Visitation will be 6-8 PM Tuesday and 2-4 and 6-8PM Wednesday at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main St, Weirton, WV.
Additional visitation will be Thursday 11:00AM until the 11:30AM funeral service at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Weirton.
Interment will follow at the Chestnut Ridge Cemetery, Florence, PA, where military services will be conducted by the Weirton Honor Guard and American Legion.
Share tributes and memories with his family at www.grecohertnick.com
Diana and family, I am so sad to learn of Nick’s passing. I considered Nick a very good friend and devoted father to his family. I will never forget him while he was being a policeman,trucker,car sales or a resturanter, He never was shy on any way to provide for his family. We lost a great man when Nick passed on. Our family will remember him and the family in our prayers. Love to all Allan
Diana and Family: I am so sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. I can truly say that Nick made an impression in my life, for his character and kindness. I will never forget Nick. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
The family has my condolences and may God carry you through this hard time.
The Marion County Public Defender Agency’s Juvenile Division sends its deepest condolences for the loss of your father, husband, brother, co-worker and friend. And to Barb, know that we love you, are praying for you and your family that you know the Beloved Creator’s peace and comfort during these days and nights. We are with you all in spirit and love. Blessings…..Susan B
My sincere condolences to Barb and her family on your loss. I am thinking of you.
Our deepest sympathies to Barb and family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May God’s peace be with you now and always.
My deepest & heartfelt sympathy to all of Nick’s family. I shared 15 years of my life with Nick Barkas & mothered 3 of his wonderful children as well as being a step-mother to 2 previous & beautiful daughters. Without Nick I wouldn’t have the family that I do. I am so glad that I got to spend time with Nick & Diana before the Lord took him home. It was a time that brought peace to all of us & I thank God for that. I love all of you! May God’s peace & comfort surround you all at this time of pain & loss.
Barbara and George (and family), I am are so sorry that you are feeling such pain and sadness now that your dad is gone. I’m happy to know that you were together during the last days. I know that it meant a lot to each of you. May his memory be eternal. To Barbara – Hronia Polla Tonya Bond and family
Barb, My prayers are with you sweetie. I am here for you if you need anything. Dana
Barb, My heart aches for you. I’m sorry for your loss. Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you during this time of sadness.
Barb, My heart and prayers go out to you and your family at this very difficult time. My Mom passed 3 years ago this month and I never thought I’d make it……but I did and you will, too, with the help and love of our Heavenly Father, your family and friends. I wish I could be there and give you a big ole’ hug and hold you in my arms while I send you love and encouragement. Just feel that love now and know we are here for you when you return to Indy. With much sweet love, Lynn
Barb, My heart and prayers go out to you and your family at this very difficult time. My Mom passed 3 years ago this month and I never thought I’d make it……but I did and you will, too, with the help and love of our Heavenly Father, your family and friends. I wish I could be there and give you a big ole’ hug and hold you in my arms while I send you love and encouragement. Just feel that love now and know we are here for you when you return to Indy. With much sweet love, Lynn
Barb, How sad to know that you’ve lost your Dad here on earth. How wonderful to know that this is a temporary loss and you will be together again some day….hold on to that thought. Even though I never met him, he must have been a wonderful person to have had such a wonderful daughter. We love you and hurt because you are hurting. Please let us know when you return home so we can be there for you. Peace to you and your family, Steve
To my friend Barb: May you find solace and peace in knowing that you are not alone in your grief. Sincerely, Ruth
Barb, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. One of my biggest fears. I know your pain is great but I hope it is brief, and the happiness from past memories warms your heart. Take care,
THERE ARE NO WORDS I CAN SAY THAT WILL MAKE THIS TIME IN YOUR LIVES ANY EASER. BUT MARY AND MYSELF WILL KEEP ALL OF YOU IN OUR PRAYERS. WE STARTED TO COME DOWN BUT I GOT TO THINKING THAT I WANTED TO REMEMBER NICK THE WAY HE WAS AND WANTED NOTHING TO CHANGE THAT IMAGE. GOD BLESS UNCLE DICK AND MARY
Man I am so sorry!!!! Today is the first time that I logged on since u sent the message. When I think about my life, where I come from and what I am, I always think about the Barkas family. The things that you all did for me. Your mom and dad letting me live with you all, giving me a job at the resturant and helpnig me get the house on Country Club Rd. Most of all your dad taught me alot about family and responsibility. He treated me like family, even yelled at me like i was one of his sons too!! He was a great man… tell your mom and everyone that i am sorry and as soon as I come to NC I will stop by the house. let me know if their is anything I can do. Give everyone my love
Barb, My heart goes out to you Babe. You have been there for me (with your infinite wisdom) at some difficult crossroads in my life, and I have no doubt that YOU are the source of comfort for many in your family at this difficult time. May you receive every ounce of strength that you pray for and find comfort knowing that you and your dad will be together again someday. Love you! Jacquelyn
I remember Nick from the Weirton Police Department. He and Bob served together until Nick changed career paths. I was very sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences. Sincerely, Cindy Richards
First I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the entire family. I considered Nick to be a very good friend. Friends are hard to come by and Nick was someone that I always knew would come to my aid if I ever needed it. He was full of life and never failed to share in what ever he had. I’ll miss his HUGE laugh and his openness. I pray that God will watch over his loved ones until they are all able to see him again.
Dearest Irene and family; I am so sorry for your lose. You and your incredible family hosted a beautiful service for your father, Nick Barkas. He has such reason to be proud of you, his first-born and all the wonderful family he left. I am sure we will be with him again. Thank you for inviting me. Thank you for introducing me to your family and thank you for being my Lady and my best friend. Love, estill <
Irene, We know you and your family are having a rough time now. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. try to have a wonderful Holiday and as you think of him during this season keep warmth and wonderful memorys close to your heart as he would want you and your family to not be sad during christmas but to think of him with love and remember the wonderful times and laugh. We love you ..The Shades
Dear Irene, Please know you and your family are in our prayers. God’s word says that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I pray these words comfort you during this difficult time. Love and Prayers, Greg and Linda English (Estill’s Extended Family)
Irene and family, We are praying for you and your family during this very difficult time. We pray God’s peace and the comfort of the Holy Spirit be with you.
Irene: Remember the Holy Spirit is given as a comforter. When we start to feel sad the Holy Spirit will rush in and remined us that soon there is a reunion day. Just a short time away…God bless you Pat Pierce (Estill’s sister)
As a geriatric nurse, I deal with death and dying on a daily basis, and I am very aware of all the emotions that accompany loosing a loved one. Yesterday my team successfully brought a person out of cardiac/respiratory arrest. I was able to get a glimpse of the emotions that will swell inside of us when we get to see our loved ones again when the Lord returns. This was not the end of his life… only a new beginning.
Irene, As I sat pondering what to say, the first words that rushed into my feeble mind were “I am sorry for your loss”. I quickly understood that these were lazy words that did not grasp the grandeur of this occasion. I know words like “Grandeur” and “Occasion” must seem a bit bizarre for a time such as this. But I know somewhere, no matter how lost in the depths of your grief, you know the hidden truth. I know of your faith and of your earnest beliefs, so I will not disrespect you by saying something so poorly worded and deceitful as “sorry for your loss”. So, please excuse me in advance for my cumbersome words. Now is a time grief but also for hope, for sorrow but also for celebration, for feelings of loss but also victory. Allow your mind to mourn but your spirit to dance, your heart to break but also to sing. Somewhere, in the heart of your faith and in the spirit of your beliefs, there are two men strolling in a paradise beyond comprehension. As they walk through the warm grass their conversation turns onto their daughter. One has a daughter through blood and the other through spirit (Somewhere, in sometime, she sits reading a few words on a computer screen.). The two men walk in the way that good friends tend to walk, at times they talk, at times they laugh, at times they just enjoy the comfortable silence and the peace of the day. The air is crisp and the light is the perfect shade. Just like those rare days we remember from our childhood, the days that passed without a single care. As you are grieving take a moment to step outside and really look around, don’t look at the buildings or the cars, but let the air blow over your face and look at the creation around you—the simplest of things we have a habit of forgetting. Let your thoughts wonder to one of those rare memories we keep for ourselves, to that one perfect day when the wind was right, the grass was the greenest, and the sun was that perfect shade. Even in our best of memories we can not imagine how beautiful our next life will be, even in our remembrance of perfect childhood days a flawed picture is made. So as you stand outside conjuring up your best memories, staring at an imperfect creation, look towards the sun, feel the warmth of it giving life back into your shattered heart and remember somewhere in that light two men are having a stroll, laughing together. Irene, although we haven’t met, please know that we are mourning and celebrating with you. Joshua and Kelly
Our prayers go out to Irene Best today for supernatural peace and joy. Times like these are ripe with possibility regarding new revelation of the Father’s heart, and His love for you. Know that your father is at peace, resting in your Father’s loving hands and today they are both cheering you on to live a life of victory and exploits for the Kingdom of God!
Dear Irene, Diane & family My prayers are with you at this time. May the Lord give you peace. The Holy Spirit is a dear comforter like no other person. May he give you and your whole family His comfort and may the love of God be released to you all.
Dear Irene, I’m a friend of Estill’s and I heard about your father’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my father in 2004 and I understand the hole it leaves. I pray that the Lord will comfort you as only He can. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Love in Christ, Patty Collini
Dear Irene, We just wanted you to know that our love and prayers are with you and your family during this time. May you feel the comforting arms of the Father surrounding you in the days and months to come. Love, Chris, Katie, Honour & William
Sam, Pat, and Gil Hey there gentlemen, How is everything going. Sorry to hear about your loss. I love you guys and if you ever need anything give me a call. Hopefully sometime soon we can get all get together!!! Aunt Renee, Sorry to about your loss. I know how strong you are and how strong your faith is.I love to chat so call whenever you need too!!! I love all of you so much! To the rest of the Barkas family….Sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. Respectfully, A.J. Best
Dear family of Nick Barkas, I have had the honor of knowing Irene and her wonderful boys as they have been part of our middle school in Battle Ground, IN. I can tell that Mr. Barkas created a great legacy in his family by knowing Irene and her kids. She shines her love for God and life all around. Know that your father, grandfather, brother, etc. may not be here on earth but he is smiling in heaven rejoicing. My many condolences are with you and I pray that you will be reunited with him one day. Sincerely, Bea Younker BGMS Principal
Precious Family, Only God can know the ache in the heart and the void created by the loss of someone we love, someone who has played one of the most critical roles in our lives. Because God knows, He feels, He understands pain…He Himself becomes The God of ALL Comfort…able to reach the deepest recesses of our need and fill it with His undying Love. Beloved, you are not alone, for He says, “when we weep…He weeps” He is deeply touched with our feelings. Yet a little while and you will begin to hear His voice, the songbird at the window of your heart, singing a song of love to His Beloved to arise and come away with Him for He is all you need…Come Away with Him…
12/21/07 NICK WILL BE A PERSON I WILL FOREVER KEEP DEAR TO MY HEART. HE WAS A GENTLE SOUL AND HAD A BIG HEART.TO KNOW HIM, YOU COULDN’T HELP BUT LAUGH AND BE IN GOOD HUMOR.HE BOUGHT ME MY FIRST BIKE (METALLIC PEA GREEN W/ TRAINING WHEELS) AND HE ALSO KEPT HIS PROMISE, THAT IF HE HAD A BUSINESS BY THE TIME I WAS OLD ENOUGH, HE WOULD GIVE ME A JOB. TO WORK AT “NICK’S FAMILY RESTUARANT” IN WEIRTON GAVE ME KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE EMPLOYED. FOR THAT I WILL ALWAYS BE GREATFUL. I WISH I COULD HAVE GOT THE CHANCE TO HAVE SEEN HIM AGAIN. MAYBE I WILL SOMEDAY WHEN MY LIFE IS DONE ON EARTH. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO DIANE AND FAMILY. LOVE & PRAYERS, LISA FRESHOUR NIRK
Diane, so sorry to hear about your loss> Nick is certainly in our hearts, he is one of a kind. We will miss him even though we have not talked in awhile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Diane, so sorry to hear about your loss> Nick is certainly in our hearts, he is one of a kind. We will miss him even though we have not talked in awhile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Diane, so sorry to hear about your loss> Nick is certainly in our hearts, he is one of a kind. We will miss him even though we have not talked in awhile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!