Nick Smyrnis

Nick Smyrnis, 99, a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, passed away on January 15, 2022. Nick was born on January 21, 1923 and was the beloved husband of the late Joan R. Smyrnis. After graduation from Shortridge High School, Nick served in the United States Army for 32 months during World War II, earning the rank of 1st Sergeant. Upon returning home from his military service overseas, Nick attended Butler University where he served as Commander of the university’s chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity and would later be recognized as a distinguished alumnus having graduated with a degree in Journalism.

Nick served as the Supreme President of the Order of the American Hellenic and Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), and during that time hosted then-President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter at a banquet dinner on behalf of the organization and its members.

Nick was also announced by President Carter as a representative of the United States at the Olympic Torch Ceremony in Athens, Greece and was chosen to return the Olympic torches from Greece to the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, marking the first time the Olympic flame had ever been brought from Greece to the United States.

Nick was co-founder and first President of AHEPA National Housing Corporation, which he helped establish in 1983 to provide affordable apartment communities for over 5,500 low-income seniors nationwide. He was also an original founder and first President/CEO of AHEPA Management Company created to provide property management services for affordable senior apartment communities.

Nick was a career real estate developer in Indianapolis until his retirement at age 92.

Nick was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Indianapolis, where he served three terms as President and had the distinguished honor of being appointed an Archon for his outstanding service to the church. He also served on the Indianapolis Board of Realtors, where he served as past-Chairman of the Commercial-Industrial Division, and the National Association of Real Estate Boards.

Nick is survived by his daughters Jamison (William) Frehse and Stephani (Samuel) Calderon; grandchildren Stephanie (Daniel) Lempesis, William (Alexis) Frehse , Zachary Frehse, Nicholas (Jaclyn) Calderon and Matthew Calderon; great-granddaughters Helene Lempesis, Wynelle Lempesis and Theodora Frehse. Nick is also survived by his sisters Dena (Nick) Mannos and Marion (Tom) Jannetides.

Visitation for Nick will be from 5-8 pm Wednesday, January 19th at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3500 W 106th St, Carmel, IN 46032, on Thursday, January 20th. Interment follows at Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in Nick’s name to:

Eugene S. Pulliam School of Journalism: Fairbanks Center, Room 118

4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 or to The Wounded Warrior Project: P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuarynora.com for the Smyrnis family.