Dr. Peter Joseph Nyikos passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024.  He was born on March 8, 1946, in Salzburg, Austria, to Julius and Susan Nyikos.

Peter earned his Ph.D. degree from Carnegie-Mellon University in 1971, and quickly developed an international reputation as a researcher in set-theoretic topology. He became an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of South Carolina in 1979 and was later promoted to full professor in 1987. His dedication spanned 45 years of service, until his death. Peter’s scholarly contributions included over 130 papers in general topology and mathematical logic/foundation, and over 200 invited talks nationally and internationally. He secured numerous research grants from the National Science Foundation, mentored 10 Ph.D. students and 9 Masters students, and served on the editorial board of two professional journals. As a researcher, teacher, and mentor, he exemplified excellence. Peter’s accolades included the Russell Research Award in Science and Engineering (1990), awarded each year to one USC faculty member, and the title of Faculty Advisor of the Year (2006).

Peter is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Leila Nyikos: and his daughters, Sarah Nyikos; Elizabeth Sliwa (Marcin); Julianna Nyikos; and Maria Nyikos.  He is also survived by his siblings, Martha Nyikos; Judy Daubler; Kathy Nyikos; Gary Nyikos, and Alex Nyikos. He was predeceased by his parents.

Peter was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Dr. Peter Nyikos at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The family will greet friends from 10:30 until 11:00 at the church.  Inurnment in the church columbarium will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a gift in Dr. Nyikos’s memory to Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church (120 Marydale Lane, Columbia, SC 29210 or https://ourladyofthehillssc.org/online-giving/) or to South Carolina Citizens for Life (P.O. Box 5865, Columbia, SC 29250 or https://sclife.charityproud.org/Donate).