Funeral arrangements are set for a former New York State Police trooper who died from an illness stemming from his time working in and around the World Trade Center site following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Retired Senior Investigator Nicholas Georgeadis, of the town of Wilton in Saratoga County, died Friday, April 28, at the age of 52, according to his obituary.
Georgeadis was assigned to New York City following the collapse of the twin towers and spent 13 weeks working at the site.
In 2018, he retired after being diagnosed with a "rare, aggressive" stage IV cancer attributed to his exposure at Ground Zero, his memorial said.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Georgeadis graduated from South Windsor High School in 1989, where he co-captained his undefeated football team.
He went on to play football at Westfield State University in Massachusetts, where he earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice and political science.
It was during college when Georgeadis found his passion for law enforcement while interning with the Massachusetts State Police Special Investigations Unit, according to his obituary.
He also enlisted in the Army National Guard, serving for eight years.
Georgeadis joined the New York State Police in 1997 and spent most of his career working for the Special Investigations Unit, the agency said.
During his time as trooper, he received 11 letters of commendation for various accomplishments, which included solving a homicide.
He also received two Superintendent's commendations, one for his time at the World Trade Center site, and another for pulling a man out of a car before it exploded, his memorial said.
At the time of his retirement in 2018, he was assigned to the Office of Counterterrorism.
"Through his strength, hope, humor, and endless grit, Nick courageously battled this cancer against the odds for over five years - All in an effort to be here for his wife and three children whom he adored," reads his obituary.
Outside of work, Georgeadis was remembered as "a strong patriot, quick-witted, and a friend to many," his memorial said.
He was a volunteer assistant coach of his youngest son's all-star baseball team, and also coached his son's flag football team and other rec sports teams.
Georgeadis is survived by his wife, Amy, and three children, along with his father, Alexander, mother-in-law, Mary Hudson, and sister, Maria Muldner.
Calling hours are scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, at Compassionate Funeral Care, located in Saratoga Springs, according to his obituary.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 5, at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Albany.
Relatives said memorial contributions in Georgeadis' name can be made to the Tunnel for Towers Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
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