Paul N. Peters

Paul N. Peters, age 90, passed away October 13, 2023 after ferociously combating colon cancer for 3.5 years.

Paul was born on October 10, 1933 to Nick and Elpis (Lamprinidis) Peters in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Paul is survived by daughter Alexis, son Nick, and granddaughters Vasiliki and Christina, one surviving brother, Pat (Adele), brother-in-law Bill Yung, and sisters-in-law India and Doris. Paul was predeceased by his wife Shirley, his parents, and siblings Pete, Gus, Jim, Sophie, John, Esther, and Bill.

Paul attended the University of Wyoming on a football scholarship. He began his career as a science teacher coupled with coaching football and cross-country, eventually teaching all levels from elementary to college. Paul obtained his School Administration Credential, as well as his master's degree in counseling from Chapman University. Paul served in the US Army reserves as a Corporal. He was classified with a deferment from combat duties as special personnel in order to continue teaching science for the good of the Country.

Paul was a national leader and innovator in the field of career education. He was responsible for establishing career centers all across the country - from middle school to the university level. Paul worked for the State of California Department of Education as the State Director of Career Education. Among his countless awards and commendations, Paul was recognized by the California Career Education Association for his contributions to career education in the State of California and throughout the United States. Paul received the American Spirit Award presented by the US Air Force for his service in education. The American Spirit Award is a national honor awarded to select individuals who best exemplify the values and reflection of the spirit of those who served our country, upholding and defending our constitutional democracy. This is the highest civilian award given by the United States Air Force.

Paul was very active in the Greek Orthodox church in many cities and parishes. In Sacramento, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, he served on the Parish Council for two terms as president. Paul also was the Food Festival chairman for three years. He served on the San Francisco Diocese Council under the tenure of Metropolitan Anthony. Paul originated and served as president of directors for the Annunciation Church Endowment Fund for 10 years. At the request of Metropolitan Anthony, Paul founded and served as president of the first Parish Council of the St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Elk Grove, CA.

As a two-term president of the American Hellenic Professional Society and board member for many years, Paul orchestrated four icon writing workshops at the Annunciation Greek Church. He set up an icon exhibit at California State University, Sacramento Art Center with community and church icon loans. Furthermore, Paul spearheaded the Hellenic Studies Program and scholarship program at Sacramento State University. Paul was active in the Pan Cretan Association of America, serving as past president for the Sacramento chapter, as well as District VI Governor. Paul was a long-standing member of AHEPA and GAPA.

Being born on a farm in Nebraska, Paul stayed close to his roots with his small ranch of sheep, cattle, and his extensive gardens at his home in Elk Grove. There, he built his own outdoor kitchen to cook for family and friends for entertaining and backyard events.

The Trisagion and Funeral Services will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 600 Alhambra Blvd. Sacramento, CA on November 3, 2023, at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Building Fund at www.annunciationsac.org