Peter Koulouris

Panagiotis "Peter" Koulouris, 89, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital on January 23, 2022. He was born in Richea, Laconia, Greece and served in the Greek army. Upon completion of his military service, he worked on ships, traveling the world, cooking for the crew. In 1959 he emigrated from Greece to Montreal, Canada, where he married Anna Koulouris of Kremasti, Laconia and worked hard for his family. He and his wife raised two sons, George and Paul, and moved to Syracuse, NY where they were naturalized as U.S. citizens in 1974. Peter owned and operated Pete's Luncheonette, Vanderbelt Deli, and Sparta Restaurant over the course of 40 years. He lost his wife to a sudden illness in 1983, and carried on the remainder of his life dedicated to his family, especially enjoying his role as "Pappou" to his four beloved grandchildren to whom he passed down many valuable life lessons. He also continued operating his restaurants and thrived on the joy of cooking for others. He had a generous spirit and always helped and fed anyone in need. He became well-known in the city for his popular lunch specials, overstuffed sandwiches, rice pudding, and soups. Peter was a dedicated member of St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church throughout his life, having contributed to the building fund when the parish moved to DeWitt in 1974, cooking for various church functions, and attending services faithfully. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Teresa, grandchildren Anna, Zoe (Peter John) Augustinos, Peter (Alexandra), and Nikolas, a brother Demetrios, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Anna, sons George and Paul, parents George and Irene, sister Chrisoula (Nikolaos), Paul (Chrisoula), John (Chrisoula), Teddy (Roula) and sister-in-law Eleni. Funeral services will be held at St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church on Monday, January 31, 20222 at 10 am with burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions can be made to Saint Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church in DeWitt, NY.