Nicholas Alexiou

Dr. Nicholas (“Nick”) George Alexiou passed away on June 21, 2025, at the age of 99. Nick was a physician specializing in pediatrics and a dedicated public servant. He was born on January 25, 1926, in Manchester, New Hampshire, to Mary Kakou Alexiou and George Alexiou. Nick was the eldest brother of 6 children and affectionately known as “Nicky” to his sisters. A first generation American, born to Greek parents, he maintained strong ties to his Greek heritage throughout his life.

In 1943, at the age of 17, Nick entered active service as a member of the United States Navy. He was stationed in China and the Philippines and served as a Hospital Corpsman, later inspiring his career in medicine. He received the World War II Victory medal and Asiatic Pacific medal and was honorably discharged in 1946. Nick enrolled in the GI Bill of Rights at St. Anselm College majoring in Biology. He continued his education by attending medical school at the University of Vermont, completing his internship at George Washington University Hospital and then going on to complete his residency in pediatrics and fellowship in pediatric cystic fibrosis at Yale University.

Nick, a constant student, earned a master’s in Epidemiology and Public Health from Yale University. Furthering his career at the Florida State Board of Health where he was working as a consultant in the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health. This led to his appointment as an Assistant Professor at John Hopkins, University School of Public Health and Department of Pediatrics. In 1967, during his time in Baltimore Nick participated in the city’s End Measles Sunday campaign where over 14,000 children received the measles vaccine. Later, Nick served as Associate Director of the Division of Preventative Health Services and then the Director of Employee Health Services for the state of New York.

Nick returned to Florida where he served as the state’s director of Children’s Medical Services before joining the University of South Florida, College of Medicine's Faculty. His dedication to evidence-based medicine continued throughout his career, and he was most proud of his work in developing community programs for "the prevention of coronary disease through the reduction of coronary risk factors" and his contributions to the development of the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida.

Nick was an avid sailor, and shared this passion with his son, George. He purchased his beloved sailboat, “The Anthie” , named for his generous and patient wife. Never one to do things halfway, he competed in countless regattas, including the Regatta del Sol, a race from St. Petersburg, FL to Isla de Mujeres, México.

Even in retirement Nick never stayed idle. As an active member of the Democratic Party, he enjoyed campaigning and served as a delegate in multiple Democratic National Conventions. Nick was a devoted “Papou” to his grandchildren, he was always “on call” for an ear infection, sore throat, or help with math homework. Nick remained deeply connected to his Greek Orthodox roots and traveled to Greece every summer with Anthie and attended Greek dances with his daughter Vicki.

Nick is predeceased by his wife of 68 years Anthie, his 3 sisters Kay, Bea and Sophie, and his brother Arthur. He is survived by his brother Jimmy, two children, Vicki and George, and his grandchildren Kristina (Max) and Nick (Cara), and his great grandson Alexander.

Nick Alexiou will be remembered as the remarkable patriarch of the Alexiou family, and he will be dearly missed.

Calling hours will be at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., Manchester on Friday, June 27th from 4 PM to 6 PM. The Trisageon service will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 5:45. Funeral services will be take place on Saturday, June 28th at 9 AM in the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Burial with military honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. To view and on line memorial or for more information, go to www.phaneuf.net