Peter Pithis

Peter Pithis passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at the age of 87. Peter is survived by his wife of 56 years, Athena and children, Danny Pithis (Toula) and Kiki Costalas (George) and grandchildren Lena Costalas, Gus Costalas and Peter Pithis. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Pittaulis (George).
 

Peter was born in Vrondathos, on the island of Chios, Greece.  He was born a US citizen in Greece because his father had served in the US army.  Life in Greece was hard in the early 1940’s due to World War II.  In 1946, his father, Diamandis, moved back to America with two of his children, Mary and Peter, with hopes for a better life. Throughout the years, Peter worked at various Philadelphia hotel restaurants, where he befriended dozens of professional athletes and Hollywood movie stars.  After living in Philadelphia for many years, Peter followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Army in 1956.  

Following his time in the service, he traveled back to Chios and met Athena Batsis.  The two fell in love and, within two weeks, got married in 1965.  Upon returning to America, they had two children, Danny and Kiki.  At that time, Peter had a produce company, selling produce to restaurants in the tri-state area.  Then, after the untimely death of his brother-in-law, Demitri, and nephew, Frank, he sold his produce business and stepped in to work for his sister at the OK restaurant.  In 1974, he purchased the LaMode Restaurant, which he renamed after his wife, the Athenian Restaurant, located on Torresdale Avenue. After briefly selling janitorial items, he took a job as a salesman/buyer at the Cedar Farms Company, Inc.  He worked there until retiring at age 62.  However, retirement was not for him, so he began selling various items to restaurants that he would find on deal.

Peter was a kindhearted, caring and happy person. Given any event, he had the ability to meet and strike-up a conversation with everyone there.  An avid dancer, Peter was always the life of the party. His love of family and friends showed through all that he did and accomplished.  Up until the last few weeks of his life, he would drive around town, shop for food, and meet his friends (parea) at Dunkin’ Donuts for coffee and a donut.  

Peter enjoyed calling his children and grandchildren to chat, making sure everyone was healthy and happy.  Throughout all of his life accomplishments, Peter was the most proud of his children, and even more proud of his grandchildren, Lena, Gus and Peter. They were his life.

Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, Service will begin at 11:00 am, at Evangelismos of Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church. Masks required at family's request.

Interment at Lawnview Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Evangelismos of Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 6501 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peter Pithis, please visit our floral store.