Peter P. Ackourey

1937 - 2022

Peter P. Ackourey, of Gardena, Calif., died on Friday, March 4, 2022, after an illness. Peter lived in California for more than 55 years. Born in Scranton, Pa., on Jan. 24, 1937, he was the son of the late Fred and Bessie Karam Ackourey, and a communicant of St. Ann's Maronite Church.

Raised in Scranton, Peter graduated from St. Patrick's High School, where he played on the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business management from the University of Scranton in 1958, and also completed the ROTC Program with the rank of second lieutenant.

After graduation, Peter was sent to the United States Army Ordnance School at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., and became a nuclear weapons officer. Later, he was assigned to Sandia Base, New Mexico, where he worked for three years as a special weapons instructor. As a commissioned first lieutenant, he had an outstanding military record, achieving the 5% list of recognized officers who worked above the line of duty, putting him in line for promotion to the rank of captain.

Due to family commitments, Peter left the military and moved back to Scranton with his wife, Theresa, and their four children. There he was employed by Capitol Records. When Capitol Records closed their branch in Scranton, Peter and his family moved to California, where he worked in their Los Angeles facility. After leaving Capitol Records, Peter was self-employed and worked in the equipment leasing business for many years.

Peter was a dedicated fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees, and also enjoyed following Notre Dame Football.

Peter is survived by his four children, son, Fred (Tracey); daughter, Lisa (Blaine); son Peter Jr. (Sandra); son Stephen (Kim); and his sister, Mary; four grandchildren, Alexandra (Christopher); Amanda (Jake); Cory and Ava; a great-grandson, Jackson; and a great-granddaughter, Carter.

Peter was also preceded in death by his sister, Anna Ackourey; and brother, John Ackourey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 8, at St. Julie Billiart Church, Newbury Park, Calif. Interment will follow at the Los Angeles Veterans National Cemetery, Los Angeles, Calif.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, Thousand Oaks, Calif., https://www.griffinfamilyfuneral.com/obituary/Peter-Ackourey.