Peter Stavros

PETER S. STAVROS, 88 ROCKFORD - Peter S. Stavros, 88, passed away Wednesday, May 9, 2012, in Provena St. Anne's Center, after a lengthy illness. Born Jan. 16, 1924, in Rockford, the son of Samuel and Afrodite (Nestorides) Stavros. He proudly joined the military in 1943, and at age 19, became a World War II combat veteran. He served three years with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in North Africa, Italy, France, Germany and Austria. Peter was awarded two bronze stars, a Purple Heart, five major campaign battle stars, and two Presidential Unit Citations. He also received the French Fouraguerre for his service in the French First Army. He owned and operated the Redwood Restaurant for many years, and served as president of Rockford Restaurant Association for five years. Peter was a lifelong member of St. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church and served many years on the parish council. His contributions to local government included Traffic Commission, Housing Authority, Winnebago Co. Board of Review, and served as chairman of the 4th of July Committee in 1963. Member of the Masons and charter member of AMVET's. Peter was very proud of his family, his Hellenic ethnic heritage, and was well-known for his humor and love of history. Survived by his wife, Sandra; sons, Peter Jr., (Diane) Stavros of Delavan, Wis., Nicholas (Susan) Stavros of Sarasota, Fla., John (Virginia) Stavros of Rockford and David (Pam) Stavros of Houston; daughter, Kathryn (Dan) Brewer of Omaha, Neb.; stepchildren, David Feggestad, Steven Feggestad and Kari Smith; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and two cousins. Predeceased by first wife and mother of his children, Bernice (Bea McElroy) Stavros, and second wife, Marcia (Larson) Stavros. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Anne's Center and No. Illinois Hospice for their care and compassion. Service at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, in Sundberg Funeral Home Ltd., 215 N. Sixth St., Rockford, with Father John Artemis and Father Andrew Zbeeb officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 14, in the funeral home, with Trisagion service to follow visitation. In lieu of flowers or donations, his request is that you take a loved one out to dinner. Online condolences at www.sundbergfh.com.