One of the most familiar faces at the Meadows has decided to call it a career after decades of beloved service at the Pennsylvania raceway.
As an article by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explains, Nick Koutavas, 88, retired Monday (January 5) after 46 years on the job at the Meadows.
The report states that Koutavas, who has six grandchildren, will be moving to Florida to enjoy the weather. In his own words, Koutavas said that he is moving south to “be a beach bum.”
“He is the kindest, most loving man I ever met,” co-worker Sandee Keller was quoted as saying, adding that Koutavas “always has a kind word for everybody, even tellers.”
Fellow mutuel teller Thomas Reihner said that he was going to miss his co-worker of 30 years. “I really looked up to him,” said Reihner. “He never had a bad word for anybody. He is a wonderful person.”
His longtime manager, Tom Reddy, said that Koutavas “is one of the finest tellers we’ve ever had. You don’t see that kind of dedication anymore.”
(With files from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
