Steve P. Nikopoulos

Steve P. Nikopoulos, 59, of Westborough, MA, passed away on January 6th, 2023. He died peacefully at home with his family by his side—his wife, Eileen, and his children, Katherine and Peter.

Steve was born Stavros Panagiotis Nikopoulos in Ioannina, Greece, to Panagiotis and Marianthi (Garalea) Nikopoulos. There, young Stavros climbed the fig, cherry, and plum trees in the family’s garden. Steve fondly recalled hanging several pairs of cherries on each ear and then climbing down the cherry tree with a dozen berries. He loved visiting the small villages of his grandparents and cousins where he played with the kid goats and picked nuts from the almond trees.

Steve immigrated to the US with his parents and older brother when he was eleven. From an early age he was drawn to electronics and experimented on his own. When he was still in high school, he would sneak into the computer labs at nearby Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and challenge himself with writing computer programs. While enrolled at Central New England College in Worcester, he worked for Digital Equipment Corporation. After graduation, he joined the company full time. Later, Steve was a key software engineer for other Boston area technology innovators including IRIS, IBM, and HCL.

Steve was one of the lucky few who was able to earn a living doing what he loved best, developing computer software. At IBM he was recognized with the Outstanding Technical Achievement Award. Known for his deep technical knowledge, Steve also was known for his wry sense of humor, integrity, and willingness to share his expertise with anyone who wanted his help.

Not long after Steve and Eileen were introduced, they discovered their mutual love of the outdoors. Steve and Eileen were married in 1995. Ever since, they enjoyed outdoor adventure including hiking, skiing, cycling and rock climbing. Their children Katherine and Peter brought still more adventure. Steve brought to them fun, love, learning and lots of laughter.

Steve was a devoted, hands-on Dad. He introduced his children to wood working, disassembly and sometimes re-assembly of electronics and sandcastle architecture. Like the sharing of his technical expertise, Steve shared in his children’s activities including camping and scouting hikes. Steve mentored his son’s robotics teams and enjoyed recording many hours of home videos.

The language and landscape of Greece remained with Steve. He spoke Greek with his parents while also helping them to navigate life in the US. Steve was the guide for Eileen and their children on several trips to Ioannina. There Steve shared his large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. Steve also shared the breathtaking beauty of the mountain regions and seaside villages where he had spent his childhood.

Steve was a lover of tradition while explored new interests. He enjoyed baking bread, a tradition he carried on from his mother. He discovered a passion for walking and walked four miles a day in good weather and bad. He once walked from Worcester to Westborough after visiting son Peter, then a student at WPI.  Only recently, Steve and Eileen enjoyed kayaking while exploring the coast of Massachusetts. He loved to top off his adventures with pizza or a good burger, and preferably with a local brew.

While recognized for outstanding technical achievement and a lover of outdoor adventure, nothing mattered more to Steve than family. Steve enjoyed the simple moments in life most, like sitting around the dinner table talking and laughing with Eileen, Katherine and Peter.

Steve was predeceased by parents. He leaves his older brother, Angelo Nikopoulos, several nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, January 10, from 4 to 7 P.M. at the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 11, at 11:30 A.M. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell St., Worcester. There will be a calling period from 10:30 A.M. to 11:15 A.M. prior to the service at the church.

Burial will follow in St. Luke's Cemetery, Hopkinton Rd., Westborough.

Donations in memory of Steve may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute.