Dr. Nicholas John Lekas

Nicholas John Lekas, MD, 69, of Naples, Florida, and previously of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2018, in Florida, surrounded by his family. As a physician, Nick cared deeply for his patients and will be remembered for his compassionate bedside manner and integrity. A 1970 graduate of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and a 1974 graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine, Nick devoted his professional career in internal medicine as an infectious diseases specialist caring for patients in Michigan and Florida. He served as Chief of Infectious Diseases at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan, for over two decades. During this time, he also served as Chairman of Medical Education at Oakwood Hospital and taught medical students and residents at the University of Michigan and at Wayne State University. He later became the Chief Medical Officer at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, in Michigan, before moving to Naples, Florida, where he served as the infectious diseases specialist at the Cleveland Clinic and held various other posts. In both Michigan and Florida, Nick was honored for many years as a Top Doctor. As a researcher, Nick published several dozen articles on infectious diseases, and was widely regarded as an expert on HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s. Nick was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and held leadership positions with numerous medical, scientific, and community boards and organizations. Nick leaves behind a legacy far greater than his professional accomplishments. He will forever be known and recalled in the memories of those he touched for the humanity he espoused, his gentle nature, and the true goodness of his soul. He loved skiing, sailing, photography, music, travel, and working with his hands. Most importantly, he loved being with his family. Nick leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, JoAnn (Manz); his devoted children, Paul (Becky Trent) of Bethesda, Maryland, and Deanna Lizas (Constantine) of Washington, D.C.; five grandchildren whom he adored, Elio and Felix Lekas, and Joanna, Peter, and Nicholas Lizas; his sister, Catherine Selin (Steven); and his sister-in-law, Genie P'sachoulias (Constantine). Funeral services will be held at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bethesda, Maryland, on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 10:00AM (viewing at 9:30AM). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made "In the Memory of Nicholas Lekas" to any of the following: Avow Hospice – Foundation Mail: 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 Wayne State University School of Medicine –Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases Mail: 5700 Cass Ave., Suite 1200, Detroit, MI 48202 St. George Greek Orthodox Church – Building Fund Mail: 7701 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817 Local arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home

Dr. Nicholas John Lekas

November 10, 1948 - May 30, 2018