Peter J. Vartelas

VARTELAS Peter J. Vartelas, age 77, of Shelton, passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 11, 2004, in his home. Peter was born in Ansonia on June 5,1927. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Tekla; daughter Larissa Cristiano and her husband, Robert, and their son, Matthew; son Paul Vartelas and his wife, Gina; son Christopher Vartelas and his fiancée, Oana Canacheu; brother Gus Vartelas and his wife, Callie; brother Jerry and his wife, Helen; brother Jim Vartelas; brother Ted Vartelas; sister Mary Stamos and her husband, Peter; friend Lou Anastasiou and his wife, Evelyn; nephew Gregory Stamos and his wife, Susan; nephew Paul Stamos; nephew Jim Vartelas; nephew Allan Vartelas; nephew John Vartelas and his wife, Helene; nephew Jonathan Vartelas; niece Paris Heath and her husband, Terry; niece Lisa Heerdt and her husband, John; niece Judy Vartelas and her husband, Karl; niece Robin Riley; niece Pamela Alessio and her husband, Anthony; niece Ioanna Madigosky and her husband, Howard; nephew Ted Anastasiou and his wife, Amanda; nephew Gregory Anastasiou; brother-in-law Peter Asproulis; sister-in-law Dorothy Docknevich; and many grandnieces and nephews. Peter was predeceased by his parents John and Paraskeve Vartelas; brother Nicholas Vartelas; brother Theodore Vartelas; sister Helen Vartelas; brother Paul Vartelas; brother George "Champ" Vartelas; sister Alfreda "Dee-De" Asproulis; nephew John Vartelas; sister-in-law Jean Vartelas; and favorite Uncle Louie Vonetes. He will be sadly missed by his entire family and numerous friends. Peter was proud to be a "Valley" man and even more proud of his Greek heritage. He was always proud to note that his father was one of the founders of and laid the cornerstone of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Ansonia. Peter later became an active member of its church parish council. As a child, he worked with his brothers and sisters at his fatheras grocery store "Vartelas Family Food," which was washed away in the Great Flood of 1955. He graduated from Ansonia High School in 1945. In 1958, he established Valley Roofing and Siding, Inc., which, after recently retiring, has been operated by his two sons, Paul and Chris. In his younger years, "Peerless" Pete was an active basketball player, starring for the Norwood AC semi-pro basketball team. He played alongside his brothers, Jerry and Ted, and the great All-American from Kentucky, Bill Spivey. He was able to compete against former great NBA stars Wilt Chamberlain, Ray Felix and Bob Cousy, actually outscoring Cousy in one particular game. For all his accomplishments, Peter was inducted into the Ansonia Hall of Fame. Peter was an avid sports fan, taking the yearly trip to to the NCAA Final Four with family and friends. His true sports passion, though, was Ansonia High School Football, which he followed and supported for countless years. His recollection of former games and players was unmatched by any. Peter was extremely proud of creating and contributing to the "Invest in Youth Fund" for the Valley YMCA. This fund has generated enough money to send thousands of Valley kids to the YMCA who would otherwise be unable to afford a membership. He was always proud to know this program would keep young kids "off the streets." He and his wife also created a scholarship fund at the St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in memory of his parents. This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound student of the parish, based on academic merit and financial need. Undoubtedly, Peteras most important thing in his life was his family. The most unselfish, generous, loving and proud husband and father always thought of his family first and himself second. His years of hard work and family values will always be remembered by those close to him. Tekla, Larissa, Paul and Chris will be forever proud to be the wife and children of Peter. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 15, at 10 a.m., at St. Barbara's Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road, Orange, with burial to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, 15 Church Street, Ansonia. Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Jenkins-King Funeral Home, 12 Franklin Street, Ansonia. In lieu of flowers, all contributions can be made to "Valley YMCA Invest in Youth Fund," 12 State Street, Ansonia, CT 06401.