Constantinos Lucas "Costa" Chelikas

Constantinos Lucas "Costa" Chelikas September 24, 1949 - June 17, 2016 Constantinos Lucas "Costa" Chelikas, age 66, of St. Augustine, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2016 at The Bailey Center for Caring with his beloved niece Nicola and family by his side. Mr. Chelikas was a native and longtime resident of Peoria, Illinois. He graduated from Peoria Central High School with the class of 1968, and graduated from Bradley University in 1976 with a Bachelor Degree in Liberal Arts. He completed an apprenticeship with Carpenters Local Union #183 and worked as a Journeyman Carpenter in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. In 1987, he moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana, became a licensed Real Estate Agent and worked as an associate for Century 21 in Ft. Wayne and later in Brandon, Florida. In 1997, Costa once again decided to train for a new occupation and completed a Certification in Industrial Plastics Engineering and began working as a fabricator for American Plastics in Clearwater, FL. Costa was a lifelong learner and enjoyed much variety in his life. His last course of study was earning Certification as a Pharmacy Technician. He worked as a Pharmacy Technician at St. Petersburg Edward White Hospital until his retirement. Costa was proud of his Greek Heritage. He grew up at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria where he served as an Altar Boy. Later in life, he taught himself the Greek language, and became very fluent speaking it. He was a very active member of the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association and was an avid gardener. He is survived by his sister, Lukia Hoffman (Daniel) of Peoria, Ill.; brothers, Peter Chelikas (Judith) of Canton. Ill, and Michael Chelikas of Peoria, Ill.; a niece, Nicola Lykam (Michael) of St. Augustine, a nephew, Jude Cheilkas of Canton, Ill.; beloved grand nephews, Michael and Alexander; his grand niece and God daughter, Sophia; and a sister in law, Susie Chelikas of Morton, Ill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Mary Chelikas of Peoria and his brother, George Chelikas of Morton, Ill. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with Rev. Dr. Nicholas Louh officiating. Interment will follow at San Lorenzo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Costa’s memory can be made to: A.H.E.P.A. Chapter 17, District 2, 2940 CR 214, St. Augustine, Florida 32084. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.