Peter C. Giftos

1927 - 2025

Peter C. Giftos, age 97, of Dalton, MA, passed away on August 17, 2025. Born in Pittsfield on September 18, 1927, he was the youngest of five sons of Greek immigrants, Constantine S. Giftos and Helen Zee Giftos.

A proud graduate of Pittsfield High School, Class of 1945, Peter enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduation, serving as a Corporal from 1945 through 1946. He was stationed at Fort Devens, MA, and Fort Knox, KY, and was honorably discharged on Christmas Day.

From 1948 to 1950, Peter attended Bentley School of Accounting and Finance. Following the unexpected death of his father, he left school to help his brothers run the family business, Giftos Variety Store-which later became Magner's Drug Store on Elm Street in Pittsfield. Eventually, the Giftos family built a new store across the street, now known as Palmer's Variety Store.

The entrepreneurial spirit of the Giftos family continued with the formation of Giftos Brothers, Inc. after acquiring the candy wholesale division of Kaufman Brothers, which was the parent company of KB Toys in Pittsfield. With this addition, they established their business on Summer Street in Pittsfield-now the site of Berkshire Nautilus-before expanding to Hubbard Avenue in Pittsfield. Under Peter's leadership as President, Giftos Brothers, Inc. became a well-known regional candy and tobacco wholesaler, with thriving vending and soda fountain divisions. The business grew to include additional branches and acquisitions across New England and New York, including Joslen Wholesale Co. in Hudson, NY, and J.F. Collins in North Adams, MA. Peter also pioneered a catalog showroom through Joslen Wholesale and later opened another branch in Pittsfield at the Allendale Underground.

On May 1, 1954, Peter married the love of his life, Judith Elizabeth Cook. Their 70-year marriage was a rich tapestry of love, partnership, and purpose, filled with laughter, hard work, community involvement, and family. Judith predeceased him in January 2025, and Peter continued to honor her memory with deep devotion.

Peter was a pillar of his community. In 1957, he co-founded the Pittsfield Civitan Club and remained an active and dedicated member for nearly seven decades, serving as president and holding various other leadership roles through 2024. He was also a longtime volunteer and program coordinator with the Boy Scouts' Chesterfield Scout Reservation and served for many years on the Pittsfield High School Class of '45 Reunion Committee.

A man of boundless energy and unwavering integrity, Peter never fully retired. Over the decades, he served two terms as Executive Director of the Great Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America, and later served as Executive Director of the Berkshire County Republican Association. He served as the President of the National Association of Candy and Tobacco Distributors, and into his eighties, he worked as a client advisor for Quest Energy Solutions specializing in energy pricing and utility bill auditing.

An avid outdoorsman, Peter had a deep love for nature, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, spirited ping pong matches, and looked forward to his annual camping trips to the White Mountains of New Hampshire with generations of family and friends. He will be remembered for his quick wit, steady presence, sharp mind, and heartfelt care for those around him. Peter lived a long and purposeful life-grounded in family, enriched by service, and guided by values that will live on through those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered with deep admiration and lasting affection.

Peter was predeceased by his beloved wife, Judith, her sister Patricia C. Spaniol, his four brothers-Sarando (Despina), Arthur (Marina), William (Evette), and John (Mary) Giftos-and his nephews Arthur S., Jack, and George "Buddy" Giftos.

He is survived by his three children: Peter H. Giftos and wife Kimberly of Brunswick, NY, Dawn S. Giftos of Pittsfield, and Stacia G. Bissell of Pittsfield; grandchildren Victoria Giftos, Robin Giftos, Alexander Bastow, Jacquelyn (Bissell) Twombly and husband Erik, Levi Bissell and wife Mary, Dillon Bissell and wife Sarah, and three great-grandchildren: Magnolia, Keegan and Charlotte Twombly. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Susan C. Cook, brother-in-law William Spaniol, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Barbara, Robin, Jennifer, and Lee who provided exceptional care and compassionate support to Peter and Judy.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Church of Christ, 110 South Street in Pittsfield. There are no calling hours. A joint burial service for Peter and his beloved wife, Judy, will immediately follow the service at the Pittsfield Cemetery at 203 Wahconah Street in Pittsfield. Following services, all are welcome to attend a celebration of life reception, which will be held in the parlor at the United Church of Christ in Pittsfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter's memory may be made through Dery Funeral Home at 54 Bradford Street in Pittsfield to the Boy Scouts of Western Massachusetts, the United Church of Christ of Pittsfield, or St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Pittsfield.