Nicholas Gatanis, 86, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Nick was the devoted husband of Carol (Ramonis) Gatanis, his childhood sweetheart, with whom he shared almost 64 wonderful years of marriage. Born in Bethlehem on September 16, 1938, he was the son of the late George and Estelle (Baras) Gatanis.

A 1956 graduate of Liberty High School and a member of the Liberty Lads. Nick remained active with  his class as reunion class treasurer and a member of the reunion committee. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. After returning home,  he opened Nick’s Hot Dog and Sandwich Shop on Third Street in Bethlehem. His passion for food led him to a distinguished culinary career, first at the Hotel Bethlehem as a sous chef and later as an executive chef for Bethlehem Steel Corporation at the former Martin Towers. He transitioned into sales with B&M Provisions and Hawk Flour Mills and operated his own catering business Aristocrat Catering.  Nick was a  professional musician, drummer  and singer at Skytop Lodge in the Poconos  and various  Lehigh Valley establishments.

Nick was a devoted member of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where he participated in its senior citizens group. He was also a life member of the Order of AHEPA, Homer Chapter 65. Nick had a love for classic cars.  He was a member of the Lehigh Valley Classic Cruisers for many years.

Nick was an avid fast pitch softball player and SYA football coach. Above all, Nick’s greatest joy was his family and friends. He had an incredible ability to bring laughter, smiles, and joy to any gathering. His love for life  and music was evident in his signature way of breaking into song at any given moment.

Nick’s kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Nick is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his children, Stella, George and his wife Doreen, Anna  and her husband Dan Mohry, and Lainie and her husband Scott Heffner; seven cherished grandchildren Jimmy Gatanis (Megan), Nikole Head, Nick Wickel, Markella Stoeckel (Jake), Dwight Mohry, Hunter Mohry, and Tanner Mohry;  five great-grandchildren Ayden, Brycen, Maxwell, Wyatt and Crew. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, James, Thomas, Gus, Elaine, and Kristos.

VIEWING & FUNERAL SERVICE: A viewing will be held on Monday, March 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at John F. Herron Funeral Home, 458 Center at Market St., Bethlehem, with a Trisagion service at 7:00 PM, followed by an AHEPA service at 7:15 PM.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 11, at 10:00 AM at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1607 West Union Blvd. Bethlehem, PA  18018, with a viewing beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Memorial Park Cemetery. www.Herronfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Nick’s memory may be made to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral or St. Luke’s Hospice House all in care of the Herron Funeral Home.