Orpheus Spiros Nurches

Orpheus Spiros Nurches

Orpheus Spiros Nurches passed away peacefully on May 11, 2016 at the age of 97, his family by his side.

Preceded in death by his parents, Spiros and Chrysanthe Nurches; as well as brothers, Nick, Paul, and Bill; he is survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Artemis (Arty) Matzules; and by daughters, Carol (Jay) Sarmir, Mary (Jack) Ciesa, Sue Nurches, and Barb (Nick) Papas; as well as his adoring grandchildren, Christina Sarmir, Christopher Nurches Ciesa (Samantha), Alexandra (Papas) Farage (Adam), Bobby Papas (Maria), Alexa Sarmir, and Jason Papas (Nicole).

Orphy was born in Akron, Ohio on August 27, 1918 to Spiros and Chrysanthe (Evthemiou) Nurches. He graduated from Buchtel High School (Class of '36) and then the University of Akron with a B.A. in History. He was summoned to fight for his country on June 19, 1942 and served through the end of the war. A proud WWII veteran, he served in the Army and the Army Air Corps, and was honorably discharged after final service in the Pacific theatre. After completing his military activity, he then returned to the University of Akron and obtained his Masters Degree in Psychology. He also completed his Ph.D. coursework in Psychology at Case Western Reserve University in 1955. He fully retired in the early 1990's as a school psychologist for the Akron Public Schools after almost forty years of service. He also concomitantly worked as a Juvenile Court probation officer for the Summit County court system for almost thirty years.

Orphy was an active member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron, the Order of AHEPA, the Good Samaritans, and the Albanian Men's Club. He volunteered at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church gyro luncheons for several decades until just a few months ago. Orphy also enjoyed music and especially playing the piano. He loved watching sports on TV and following politics. His easy-going disposition and sense of humor endeared him to many and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Our family would also like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the staff of Summa Home Health and Crossroads Hospice services as well as the staff at Concordia for all their attentive care to our husband, father, and grandfather throughout the past several months.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 13th from 5-8 p.m. at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. with a Trisagion service at 7 p.m..
Funeral service will take place at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St. in Akron, Ohio 44304 on Saturday, May 14th at 10 a.m., with interment to follow at Mount Peace Cemetery in Akron. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Orphy's memory may be made to the Akron, OH Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Scholarship Fund. May his memory be eternal. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)