Peter George Pitsakis

PITSAKIS
PETER GEORGE, 56 of 1228 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley, died Jan. 1, 2008 in his home. A scientist, researcher and artist, he also was a volunteer who served not only his Pennsylvania community but those in need around the world. Born Jan. 10, 1952, in Philadelphia, he was a son of George and Eugenia Tsamoutalis Pitsakis. They survive in Huntingdon Valley, PA. Peter was clinical research coordinator in the division of infectious diseases and HIV medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine. He had worked at Drexel in various medical research capacities for more than 30 years. He has been a member of the American Society for Microbiology since 1976. A 1969 graduate of Frankford High School, he received an associate degree in liberal arts from the Community College of Philadelphia in 1971 and a bachelor of arts degree in biology from Temple University in1974. Peter was very involved in the Greek religious and cultural organizations in the Philadelphia area. He was a member of the Church of the Annunciation/ Evangelismos in Elkins Park, where he served on the parish council and various committees over the past 33 years. In 2001, he was the chairman for the consecration of the Church of the Annunciation for the Greek Orthodox community of Philadelphia. In 1990, he participated in a Greek Orthodox mission to Uganda, which provided medical care to residents and constructed a church. Peter served as the 2005-2006 president of the Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia as it marked its 70th anniversary. A co-founder and charter member of the Greek American Historical Society of Philadelphia, Peter also served that organization as president. For more than 30 years, he has done research into the history of Greeks in Philadelphia as well as serving as his family's unofficial genealogist. Peter, who was a professional clay artist, collected 20th century folk art. Since 1984, he had been a juried member of the Cheltenham Clay Guild, serving four years as president. In addition, Peter served nearly a decade as a board member of the Cheltenham Center for the Arts. A beekeeper and purveyor of honey, he also enjoyed gardening and landscaping design. In addition to his parents, survivors include his brother Theodore, his niece Ava, and his nephew George, all of Lansdale, PA, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and loving friends. Although not related by blood, Peter also felt especially close to his two lifelong mentors: the Rev. Dr. Anastasius Bandy and Dr. Matthew E. Levison. Firneds may call 10 A.M. to 12 Noon Fri., Jan. 4, 2008 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 7921 Old York Road. Elkins Park, PA 19027, followed by a service at 12 Noon. Burial will be in Fernwood Cem., Rockledge, PA In lieu of flowers, Peter has requested that donations be made to the Peter George Pitsakis Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia, P.O. Box 42199, Philadelphia, PA 19101. The club's web site is
www.hucphila.org