Nick Davatzes, St. John’s ’60
Phi Kappa Tau is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of brother Nick Davatzes, St. John’s ’60. Davatzes died at his home in Wilton, CT, on August 21. He was 79 years old.
Born on March 14, 1942 in New York, Davatzes began attending St. John’s University in 1958 where he was a charter member of Gamma Gamma Chapter. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1962 and a Master of Arts in Sociology in 1964. Additionally he met his lifelong love Dorothea during his time at St. John’s. After earning his graduate degree he volunteered for the US Marine Corps, serving in both active and reserve capacities.
Davatzes was a member of the inaugural class of Phi Kappa Tau Hall of Fame inductees, notably for his contribution to the cable television market. He served as President and CEO of A&E Networks from 1983 to 2005 where he oversaw the launch of multiple cable channels such as the incredibly popular History Channel. He retired in 2005 and was inducted into the Cable Television Hall of Fame.
Keeping strong his ties to his college and his chapter Davatzes also was a key contributor to the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation and St. John’s University. A long-time member of the Foundation's Boles Society, his gifts sustained the completion of the stained glass door in the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices building, originally designed for the old Executive Offices building in honor of Gamma Gamma's 25th anniversary.
Nick Davatzes, St. John’s ’60 with wife Dorothea
At St. John’s Davatzes was a member of multiple alumni groups and societies including the University’s Board of Trustees. In 2001 Davatzes and his wife founded the Dorothea Hayes Scholarship Fund to benefit students of the School of Education and in 2007 they established the Christopher N. Davatzes Memorial Scholarship Fund, named for their late son.
He is survived by his sons Geody Davatzes and Dr. Nicholas Davatzes, and four grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held at Raymond Funeral Home, 5 East Wall Street in Historic Norwalk, Connecticut, Friday August 27 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton, CT on Saturday August 28 at 10:00 a.m. The internment will be private. Donations can be made in memory of Nick Davatzes to the Wilton Library Association Endowment Fund, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT, 06897 or at https://donate.onecause.com/supportwla2022/donate. Please visit www.norwalkfh.com to leave an online condolence for the family.