Peter Anthony Toundas

Peter Anthony Toundas of Rochester, MI, died peacefully, surrounded by love and family, on November 17th, 2025.
He was born on September 26th, 1957, in Detroit, MI, to James and Jeanette Toundas.
Peter graduated from Oakland University with a bachelor's degree and later earned his MBA from the University of Chicago.
He is survived by his loving wife, Natalya, who joined him on many adventures during their fourteen years together. Natalya brought love, energy, and excitement to the life they shared with countless friends and family members, frequently present. She often traveled to the Autorama/Cavalcade of Customs/World of Wheels shows and work-related events, supporting him in every way she could.
Peter is also survived by his beloved sister Helen Black, Bess Brookman, niece Kim Viviano, mother-in-law Svitlana House, father-in-law Iurii Iakovenko, sister-in-law Iryna Hermann (Roger), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and former wife Judi (Dave) Pearce.
He was preceded in death by his cherished son Nicholas Peter, who brought him great joy in his short twenty-two years. Peter was also preceded in death by his sister, Angie Lagasse (Daniel), and his brothers-in-law, Dale Black and Chuck Brookman, his nephew-in-law, Nino Viviano, and, most recently, his sweet dog, Lexie.
Peter loved to entertain family and friends, golf, and travel, sometimes combining all three at once. Most of all, he loved to make people feel welcome and special. He also had a wonderful sense of humor that could lighten any moment and bring laughter to the people he loved. Every family gathering and celebration with friends became unforgettable because of him. The best times, the most fun, and memories we will hold forever.
Anyone who spoke with him for more than a few minutes knew that Peter Toundas was a diehard car guy.
As a teenager, Peter worked at Gratiot Auto Supply under the wing of Angelo Giampetroni. He was known as "Junior." Peter was there when Angelo opened the great new Gratiot store on Woodward and watched him build a huge mail-order business when Summit Racing Equipment and JEGS were just starting out.
Next, it was off to college. Following graduation, Peter dove headfirst into the world of major advertising agencies. In fourteen years, Peter soared through the ranks at Campbell-Ewald and Doyle-Dane-Bernbach in Detroit and New York. He worked with blue-chip accounts like Eastern Airlines, Goodyear, and Bridgestone, and later Chevrolet Truck and ACDelco.
His niche was identifying trends and leveraging them to create top-notch marketing programs for corporate clients or spectators at his shows. The secret to his success was simple – his love of cars and remarkable intuition enabled him to sense the hot trends and when to strike while the iron's hot. His education and experience magnified his natural talents.
In 1991 came Peter's lucky strike. Peter, Bob Larivee Junior, and a few partners purchased Promotions, Inc. (International Championship Auto Shows) from "JR's" father, Bob Larivee Sr. The new entity became Championship Auto Shows, Inc., which has produced hundreds of custom car shows known as Autorama, Cavalcade of Customs, and World of Wheels. Simultaneously, he opened a new company called TMG Event Marketing, which was his brainchild, and eventually owned Pro Graphics, Inc. as well.
The rest, as they say, is history. Peter Toundas turned his passion into a profession and brought everyone along for the ride.
Suggested memorial donations may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2025petertoundasmemorial/donate/.
All services will be at Modetz Funeral Home at 100 E. Silverbell Road in Lake Orion, MI, visitation on December 3rd from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and December 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation on December 4th at 11:00 a.m.
All are invited to join us for a luncheon in memory of Peter at 1:00 p.m. at Wyndgate Country Club, 1975 W. Gunn Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48306.