Pelekanos, Panagiotis “Pete”

was born on August 13, 1930 in Mytilene, Lesvos. He was the third of five children to refugee parents, Maria and Giorgos Makras Pelekanos, who had escaped from the “Great Smyrna Fire” of 1922 and Turkish invasion of the coastal towns of Asia Minor.

Pete’s young life, nestled between the aftermath of the “Fire” and the beginning of World War II, presented many struggles and challenges for him and his family. During German occupation of Lesvos Island, the family endured shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials and lived in fear and restlessness among the Nazi soldiers. However, this did not stop the ambitious, energetic, and brave teenage boy, who despite these turmoils, roamed the countryside and villages of Lesvos fishing, hunting, and working to help provide for his mom and sisters, Filisa and Dispoula. With the help of his father and brothers, Haralambos and Evangelos, the family survived and flourished in the peaceful and joyous years that followed. Pete loved engaging with the sea, playing soccer, and being a boy scout. He even served as an altar boy on numerous occasions when forced by his mother.

Post-World War II and after serving in the Greek national army, Pete worked along-side his father to learn and master the art of masonry and construction. Together they built many beautiful homes and renovated numerous archaic churches on Lesvos. Pete had a passion for his work and understood mathematical and civil engineering principles, a skill that was remarkable for a man with minimal formal schooling. In 1955, he met and fell in love with his wife, Dimitra, while building a house next to her paternal home. By 1959, they were married and later had two daughters, Panagiota and Georgia.

Pete enjoyed parenthood and the love he had for his children was evident in daily life. In 1963, his daughter Panagiota snuck to the roof of their home and Pete ran after her. When she lost her balance and was falling off the roof, Pete risked his life to save hers by jumping and grabbing her in thin air. This resulted in two broken legs, head and other injuries, and a four-month stay in an Athenian hospital for both.
Later in the 1960’s when immigration to the United States was once again booming, Pete became enamored by the possibility of a new way of life and the opportunities it could bring. With the help of his sister Filisa and brother Evangelos, he brought his family to St. Louis in August of 1967. In America, he became a master carpenter and a well-respected member of the Carpenter’s Union Council. He worked on many commercial projects for the May Company and other large corporations. He was loved by his fellow employees, and many would say that Pete could out-work anyone, even those much younger than himself. After work, he would spend countless hours in his workshop creating beautiful wood furniture and fixtures, mostly as a hobby. He also loved fishing, boating, water skiing, and camping. Twice a year, on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, Pete would gather his family along with five or six other Greek families and head for Clearwater Lake in Piedmont, Missouri, where wonderful memories were created. In his retirement, Pete, his wife Dimitra, and daughter Georgia spent three glorious months each year on Lesvos enjoying the beauty of the land, the sea, and the friendships they made with many people. These were among the happiest times of his life.

Pete lived and celebrated life to the fullest. He loved his family dearly, cherished his grandchildren (Chrysovalanti “Chrysti”, Eleni and Isaak) and greatly valued his friendships. He was a kind and generous man, always giving, and never hesitating to help others. God had blessed him with a rewarding life filled with excellent health, much love, numerous good times, and friends who adored him.

You will be greatly missed, but your love for us all will forever remain in our hearts. May your memory be eternal.

Due to covid-19  funeral service will be private service of Kutis Affton Chapel.