Dimitrios Fikaris

March 27, 1949 - November 21, 2020

Dimitrios Fikaris, 72, of Levittown, PA passed away on November 21, 2020 at St. Mary's Hospital in Langhorn, NJ. He was born on March 27, 1949 to Yanni and Aphroditi Fikaris in Chios, Greece. Dimitrios lived in Mercer County before moving to Levittown 35 years ago. Dimitrios is survived by his loving spouse of 43 years, Barbara Fikaris, his son, Yanni Fikaris a and his wife Maria; his daughter, Aphrothiti Hanrahan and her husband Patrick; and seven grandchildren, Logan, Sophia, Owen, Amelia, Liam, Ethan, and Jack. Dimitrios, arrived in the US with next to nothing but his work ethic and mustache as he pushed on working for US Steel and after the local plant closure decided to go back to school for education and eventually graduated from Temple University. He then spent a lifetime helping others to find their paths in life. His decades of teaching fostered success for many. He was adored by his colleagues for his commitment to education and his students knew behind that large disciplinarian frame was a warm and kind soul that was approachable without hesitation. Always attributing achievement to commitment his children continue on his path of galvanizing work ethic. Both Penn State graduates (daughter UPENN Medical School Graduate) carry on the Fikaris traditions Dimitrios spent every day of his life with his beloved wife Barbara. Inseparable would best describe these two who, as the story goes fell in love at first sight. Both pushed each other to go back to school to teach as my dad pushed my mom to complete her Phd. at Holy Family University. Their commitments to education truly were only surpassed by their commitment to each other. The space allotted to define the man I called Dad could fill this paper and the rest of the copies running on the press today. If you knew my dad, he was never short with words unless the attention was on him. As It saddens me to write the close of this obituary, I will happily gloat for him as he never would. My dad he was a mountain of a man with an even bigger heart. He had a booming voice and powerful presence. His resolve to carry on no matter the challenge ahead will never be forgotten. He persevered through an immense set of obstacles to check off all the boxes of accomplishments in a country he emigrated to without knowing the language at first. The American Dream of coming to America with nothing and leaving behind success was lived within my father. The iconic Fikaris mustache, warm smile and open affection will be sadly missed but will be carried on. I guess I now have to grow a mustache. Here is to you Dad. We love you.