CAMDEN — Nicholas Cokinis, 87, beloved husband of Patricia (McGrath) Cokinis, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Rockland on June 2, 1930, the son of Andonis "Tony the Greek" Cokinis and Madelyn (Quinn) Cokinis.

In 1951 Nick joined the U. S, Air Force, but soon returned home after a parachuting accident. On February 7, 1952 he married the 'Love of his life', Patricia, in Rockland. They were inseparable from then on, until her passing in 2013, for over 61 years. In 1953, Nick took a job with The 'Portland Cement Plant', later known as 'Martin Marietta'. He stayed with that company for over 30 years, and in 1983, he retired, earning full lifelong benefits and pension. He held several positions at the plant over that time, including jackhammer operator, maintenance, and enjoyed his time as their as a locomotive operator most of all.

Nick and Pat were very active in the community, and in fact Nick enjoyed just about everything he did, at home, at work, and at play. He most certainly was a people lover, with a joke or trick at every opportunity. Regulars at music and dance events (mostly local and jazz) over the years, Nick and Pat greatly enjoyed spectator sports with family and friends. They were members of the local Elks Clubs, and American Legion, and spent summer months frequenting as many public suppers as they could. In the winter months they often traveled to Arizona and also took several Caribbean cruises in their retirement.

During his retirement, Nick worked at the 'Samoset Hotel' in Rockport for eight years, and later with Pat working for 8 more years at 'Wal-Mart' as 'Original Hires' in the Rockland store. During and after, the couple volunteered delivering 'Meals On Wheels' to recipients in Knox County, and were valued volunteers for the American Red Cross, helping donors at local blood drives.

Surviving are his son, Christy Cokinis, of South Hope, his stepdaughter, Linda (Hall) Peek, of Lewiston; two step grandchildren, Nicholas Fernandez of Lincolnville; Tristina Peek of Lewiston, and also a step-great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Fernandez, and a great-great granddaughter, Ashlynn; two cousins, Robert Harrington of South Berwick and Earnest Harrington of Cushing.

In addition to his wife, Patricia and parents, Nick was predeceased by his sister, Neta (Cokinis) Robbins and her husband Robert of Rockland; and niece Glenna (Harrington) Meservey of Cushing.

The family would like to extend their thanks to everyone for the love and support, especially, Jude Gilbert, Connie Lowe, and Francis "Batesy" Bates, for all the visits and long hours helping us all through his journey. Memorial plans will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to 'Meals On Wheels', c/o MCH, 46 Summer Street, Rockland, ME 04841. Condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with the Cokinis family by visiting their book of memories at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.