Pamela Jean Makricosta

PAMELA JEAN MAKRICOSTA, 69, passed away on April 8, 2023. Pam passed away while doing what she loved, recording her weekly broadcast of “The Athenian Hour” at WEIR 1430 AM. Pam was born on September 1, 1953, in Steubenville, Ohio, and raised in Weirton, West Virginia. She was a proud graduate of Weir High School Class of 1971, and West Liberty State College (now University). Pam was the regional coordinator for the Adult Literacy and Lifelong Learning Program at Mary H. Weir Public Library. She was passionate about education and worked tirelessly to help others learn. In her free time, she volunteered at the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, where she served as Co-President of the Board of Directors. She was just as passionate about her Greek heritage and worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the culture and language of Greece. For 50 years, Pam was the host of “The Athenian Hour,” a radio program that played Greek music, provided relevant news, and listed cultural and religious events in the tri-state area. Her program was the only Greek radio broadcast in West Virginia, and Pam was proud to be an important part of preserving the Greek culture and language in the region. Pam’s devotion to her program was evident in the fact that nearly all the music heard during “The Athenian Hour” was from her personal collection. Her knowledge of Greek music and culture was unparalleled, and her passion for sharing it with others was contagious. Pam’s love for her Greek heritage came from her father Nick, who was born on the Greek island of Chios, and her mother Helen, who was born in Weirton. Her grandparents were refugees who survived the slaughter of Christians by the Turks. Pam was a member of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, the Philoptochos Society, Daughters of Penelope, and president of the Paleo Phocean Society. She was also active in the Weirton Woman’s Club. Most of all, Pam will be remembered as a beloved citizen of the Weirton community, and her passing is a great loss. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Her legacy will live on through her dedication to preserving Greek culture and language, and her contributions to education and preservation of our community. She was preceded in death by her parents Nick and Helen Koukoulis Makricosta; and her sister in law Sandra Makricosta. She is survived by her brother, Tony, her best friend Sally, and her church family at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton. Visitation was held until the time of services Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Weirton, with Fr. Matthew Moore presiding. Interment followed at Paris Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Pam’s memory to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Benevolent Fund. Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com.