Peter Michalopoulos

Peter Michalopoulos, 80, passed away from Alzheimer's disease on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in the Mount St. Rita Health Center, Cumberland, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Sharon A. (Lanoue) Michalopoulos. They have been devoted to each other for the past 48 years and shared the most important moments of their lives together.

Born in Patras, Greece, he was the son of the late Spero and Vasiliki (Tjogadoroas) Michalopoulos. He came to the U.S. as a child through Ellis Island. His family settled in Pawtucket where he grew up and played basketball, tennis, and track at Pawtucket West. Peter resided in Cumberland for the past 48 years.

He was deeply committed to education, earning his bachelor's degree in education from Rhode Island College and later his master's degree in Guidance Counseling from Providence College. He was employed as an Industrial Arts Teacher at Cumberland High School for 26 years where his students affectionately referred to him as "Mr. Mike," until his retirement in 1996. Several pieces of furniture in their home reflect his talents for wood working. Later he worked for his brother-in-law, Bob Wotherspoon, in his interior construction business.

He proudly served his country as a U.S. Army Veteran during the Vietnam War, carrying the values of dedication and resilience with him throughout his life.

Peter loved hunting for "treasures" at flea markets and yard sales, but he found his greatest joy in the moments spent with his loved ones. He enriched the lives of his children and grandchildren with his wisdom, gentle presence, and corny jokes. He spent many hours at ballets, crew races, plays, and baseball, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey games. He loved a good party with his large extended family and was not shy about wearing a musical tie or a themed outfit. In retirement he was fortunate to travel with Sharon.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Dr. Kristen Haddon and her husband Benjamin of Wellesley, MA and their children Henry, Sylvia, and William; his son Gregory P. Michalopoulos and his wife Mikaela of Natick, MA and their children Caleb Peter and Harry; one sister, Katina Photopoulos, of North Carolina, along with many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Nancy Cacicio, Michael, Theodore, George, and Christine McGuinness.

During his illness he was lovingly supported by Dianne and Bob Wotherspoon, Nancy and John Ferreira, and David and Barbara Lanoue and exceptionally cared for by the staff at Mount St. Rita's.

Peter's Life Celebration will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road Cumberland, RI.

Anyone who wishes, may make a donation in his name to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org).

Online memorial: jjduffyfuneralhome.com

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