Obituary

Spiro L. Nellas, age 93, of Chippewa Township passed away peacefully at his home on February 4, 2026.  He was born on August 27, 1932 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania to Louis K. and Harriet (Karachristos) Nellas.  Spiro graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1950, Allegheny College in 1954, and The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy in 1957.  

Spiro married his wife of over 68 years, Victoria Paparodis of Salem, Ohio on September 29, 1957. He opened Hoffman’s Center Pharmacy in Center Square Shopping Center in 1963 and ran the business for over 25 years. Before the rise of the retail chain Hoffman’s was the place where “if you need it, you could find it.” The drug store offered everything from daily necessities, a jewelry counter where Peg Conrad would greet you, and hot roasted peanuts, to prescriptions where Spiro filled them while listening to 1230 WBVP and Jim “Teddy Bear” Reynolds. Hoffman’s was known by the community for its lunch counter and soda fountain featuring the homemade chili recipe of Mary Bickerton and Muggsy Brown. Spiro gave all he could to his family and will be fondly remembered for his quick wit and dry sense of humor. His favorite time was being with his grandchildren.  Prior to losing his vision he enjoyed toying in the yard and  garden, could be seen bicycling throughout Chippewa, and swimming laps at the neighbor’s pool.

He is survived by his wife, Victoria Nellas, children: Louis Nellas,  and Christa (Scott) Ewine of Frederick, Maryland. Brothers: Dr. Jim and (Elaine) Nellas, Pittsburgh, PA. and Dr. Alex Nellas, San Francisco CA. Sister-in-Law: Joanne Nellas, Pittsburgh, PA. Grandchildren: Spiro Nellas, Griffin and (Jules) Ewine, Isabella Ewine, and Cameron Ewine.  Nephews and Nieces: Louis J. and (Laurie) Nellas, Zack and (Kristine) Nellas, Mark and ( Kristen) Nellas, Elizabeth Nellas, Hillary and (Wayne Miller). Great Nephew and Nieces: Zachary Nellas, Grace Nellas, Anna Nellas, Sophia Nellas, Leeah Miller, and Elena Miller. Godson’s: Demetrios Pappan and George Pournaras along with his special cousins Panagiota Pappan, Dr. Spiro and Carol Papas, and Leon and Anna Karachristos.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Louis K. and Harriet Nellas, brother: Dr. Constantine Nellas, nephews: Lee Nellas, John Papas, Van Papas, and cousins and best friends: Louis D. Pappan, Nick Matsukas, Frank Matsukas, and Stathe Pournaras.

A viewing will be held at Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls PA 15010 on Friday, February 13th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm and 5:00pm – 7:00 pm.

Funeral Service will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church: 2930 Beaver Road,

Ambridge, PA. at 12:30 on Saturday, February 14th.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church: 2930 Beaver Road, Ambridge, PA.  15003.