Peter Harry Doukas

On a quiet Thursday morning of October 28th, 1943, in Brooklyn, N.Y, Peter Harry Doukas entered the world; he crossed a threshold into a loving extended Greek immigrant family and into the arms of his beloved mother, Mary. His father would learn of Peter's birth by a letter received in Germany where he was serving during World War II. His childhood was spent in a brownstone in Clinton Hill, the setting for many milestone photographs to be taken. Peter was a student at Miss Porter's Academy where he entered kindergarten being fluent in Greek and English.

In 1955 the family moved to the neighborhood of Vandevere Estates where Peter attended Erasmus Hall High School, graduating in 1959 at the age of 15. Peter was accepted into St. John's University School of Pharmacy in Queens, NY. As a freshman, because he was younger than 16, Peter needed to get special work papers to work in Vanderbilt Pharmacy, a local pharmacy. And because he was too young to drive to the campus, his father made arrangements for a driver to pick him up every morning and "Uber" him to classes. Surely, Peter's love of books and reading was an inherited trait passed down from his father. Every term that Peter received his list of text books for his classes, his father would enthusiastically go to the Barnes and Noble School bookstore to purchase the treasure trove of awaiting knowledge.

On October 30, 1959, The trajectory of Peter's life was forever changed. While attending a Teen dance he met Irene Anarow. Peter came home that very night and told his parents that he just met the perfect girl for him. Having Irene's phone number he lived for the time that they could spend hours on the phone.

Upon occasion, Irene would come to the apartment to watch American Bandstand with him. Peter would twirl her in her navy and white checked flaired skirt and saddle shoes, her long blond hair swirling in a ponytail.

And as the months passed and the courtship progressed the two families, the Doukas' and the Anarows' were having Saturday evening dinners together. A family unit was created; Peter was now blessed with a second set of parents (Despina and Nick) to love, nurture and support him for decades to come.

In 1963 Peter graduated from St. John School of Pharmacy. Because he was only 19 years old he was not permitted to apply for his Pharmacy license. To fill the gap years to his 21st birthday he enrolled in the Master's program.

On October 9th, 1965 a balmy day in N.Y. Irene and Peter were married. With the traditions of the Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony they pledged their devotion, loyalty and partnership, each to the other.

At the reception later in the day Peter's father brought Peter's guitar for him to accompany the Greek band at his own wedding. The expression of absolute joy lives on in the memories of those who were witness to this sight.

In 1965 Irene and Peter relocated to Philadelphia for Peter to pursue his Masters and Doctorate degrees from Temple University, thus setting themselves on the path of affiliation with Temple University for 60 years.

On Sunday, February 18th, 1970, a bright winter morning, Irene and Peter were gifted with the birth of their beloved son, Michael. In the joy and wonder at his arrival Michael restored Irene's and Peter's souls. Their family union is what legends are made of. The simplicity and complexity of their bond and devotion are what dreams are made of.

In June of 1970 the family travelled to Borstel Institute in Hamburg, Germany where Peter was asked to participate in a pharmaceutical research initiative. Upon returning home to Philadelphia Peter began his teaching and research career as assistant professor of Temple University. During these years of teaching and research Peter found his passion for sharing the knowledge of his scientific studies with each and every class of students in his charge, and for enthusiastic collaboration with his colleagues and peers.

In the years that followed there were promotions leading to tenured professor and associate Dean of Temple University School of Pharmacy. In 1993 Peter was elevated to the position of Dean of the School of Pharmacy at Temple University, a position he coveted until his retirement in 2023.

On Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, a quiet and cold winter's day, Peter collapsed while outside of the beautiful, love filled home that he shared with Irene and Michael. His remarkable life and legacy left us this day. And we are left to mourn his loss and celebrate a life so very well lived.

Peter leaves behind his beloved Irene and treasured Michael, his beloved sister Peggy, his brother Charlie (Cindy), his brother-in-law, Taso, many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and a heart full of colleagues and lifelong friends.

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." Shakespeare's "Hamlet."

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 1:30pm until his Funeral Service 3:30pm in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. His interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Temple University Dean Peter H Doukas Endowed Scholarship Fund, or Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health