'Man of Steel' Nicholas J. Bouras Dies at 93

Summit resident Nicholas J. Bouras, steel magnate and consummate philanthropist, died Sunday at 93. 

Bouras was born in Pontiac, Michigan, grew up in Chicago, and graduated from The School of Commerce, Northwestern University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, serving in Europe during World War II, where he flew 44 combat missions as lead bombardier and navigator, reaching the rank of Major. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, eight Air Medals and five Battle Stars.

Bouras spent some two decades with United States Steel Corporation before beginning his own steel construction company in 1960 with his now-deceased wife, Anna K. Bouras. Bouras Industries grew to include five subsidiaries and became an industry leader in joist and deck production before it was sold in 2007. The real estate arm of the company, Bouras Properties, LLC, continues to operate in Summit. 

In 2006, Bouras received the Athenagoras Human Rights Award for his generosity and tireless commitment to serving others. For more than four decades, the veteran Archon and founding member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, donated millions of dollars to his parish and to hosts of Orthodox Christian causes, including missions, education, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate after he was invested an Archon in 1975, according to The Archon.

"Our community and nation has lost one of its most upstanding individuals," said Kassandra Romas, managing director of Bouras Properties, LLC. "Mr. Nicholas J. Bouras was a highly decorated World War II hero; an industrialist who rose through the ranks by dint of his exceptionally hard work and astute business sense; a devoted husband to his late wife, Anna; a dedicated man of faith whose generosity has supported his beloved Greek Orthodox Church; and a most devoted and unstintingly charitable man whose philanthropy has assisted numerous organizations, educational and non-profit institutions throughout the land.  

"This kind gentleman was a role model for many and inspired all with his insistence of 'doing it the right way.' He will be missed by all."

To view a video about the life and achievement of Nicholas J. Bouras, click here.