Nicholas George Flocos

Nicholas George Flocos, 96, a longtime resident of McLean, Virginia, passed away peacefully,
leaving behind a life shaped by words, kindness, and quiet grace.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Melody; his sons, Dr. George Flocos and Tasso Flocos,
both of McLean; his daughters-in-law, Farimah and Sabret; and his four grandchildren,
Christopher, Nicholas, Christian, and Anastasia. He is also survived by his sister, Elaine Ellis of Murrysville, Pennsylvania.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Flocos devoted his life to language and learning. A writer, editor, and literary expert, he worked for the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph and later taught writing at the University of Pittsburgh, his alma mater. At Gulf Oil Corporation’s headquarters in Pittsburgh, he served as speechwriter to three chairmen of the board and as manager of publications. He studied literature at Columbia University and proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

During the 1960 presidential campaign, Mr. Flocos was press agent for Senator John F.
Kennedy. Though his work touched the world of politics, his heart belonged to literature. A
published author and poet, he contributed poems and short stories to literary magazines, and in 1998 his novel Nike was published to critical acclaim. Inspired by the Winged Victory of
Samothrace in the Louvre, the novel is a love story that drew the attention of Hollywood and was optioned for a motion picture. For twenty years, he also served on the advisory board of the International Poetry Forum.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, believed in the quiet power of the written word and in the responsibility it carried. Reflecting on his work, he once said that writing executive speeches during the 1960s and 1970s was meaningful because leaders were awakening to new social responsibilities, helping shape a stronger and more thoughtful nation.

Nicholas George Flocos will be remembered for the beauty of his language, the gentleness of his spirit, the warmth of his laughter, his love of family and heritage, and the enduring love he gave so freely to all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2815 36th St. NW,
Washington, DC 20007 on February 27, 2026, at 11am. A private Veterans Administration burial
will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Pittsburgh Center for
International Studies Greek Room Scholarship Fund: https://tinyurl.com/GreekRoomFund
honoring his lifelong devotion to language, culture, and education.