Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

January 1, 2023

CHARLOTTE – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Serafim “Sam” Basilios Nikopoulos, beloved husband, father, and community leader.  Serafim was born in the village of Viniani, Greece and immigrated to the United States in 1973, settling in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife, Sylvia Nikopoulos, and their two children, Chrys Nikopoulos and Maria Nikopoulos. Serafim was 79 years old at the time of his passing.

Serafim was a highly respected mechanical engineer, holding several management roles and developing several patents under his name at the company Luwa Bahnson Parks-Cramer.  He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he worked his way through school and received his degree in Mechanical Engineering.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Serafim was deeply involved in his community, serving as a long-time member, and eventual president of the Evrytanian Association of America, an international Greek-American philanthropic organization.  Serafim was also an active member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Charlotte.

Serafim’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his family.  He had a love for building and engineering, and was a licensed General Contractor with a passion for the outdoors, gardening, and traveling.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Serafim is survived by the love of his life, Sylvia; his amazing kids, Chrys and Maria and his wonderful daughter-in-law, Katie.  Also surviving are his sister, Anna Alataris; brother, George Nikopoulos; his nieces and nephews, and an unbelievable group of supportive friends and family that enriched his life.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join in remembering Serafim and celebrating his life.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Panagia Prousiotissa Chapel at Elatos Park, 124 Jim Parker Rd, Monroe, NC.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery.  The Elatos Park Chapel holds special significance as Serafim assisted with the recent design, renovation, and construction of the chapel and community center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Serafim to the Panagia Prousiotissa Chapel at Elatos Park.  Checks should be made payable to Panagia Prousiotissa Chapel and mailed to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.  

May His Memory Be Eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.