PERTH AMBOY, NJ –
Peter Christopoulos, 94, of Edison, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 13, 2024. He was born on November 6, 1929, in Kalamata, Greece, the son of Demetrios Christopoulos and Athena Kapsaliaris Christopoulos. Peter, his older sister Bessie, and his parents emigrated from Greece, just after WWII, settling in Fall River Massachusetts. He attended the Photography Institute in New York and then served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He served four years as a reconnaissance photographer and earned honors as airman of the month and achieved the rank of staff sergeant.
Upon an honorable discharge from the US Air Force, he began working at Time Incorporated in Manhattan as a lab technician. During his 36 years at the company, he rose from a technician to being the Chief of the Photo Lab. During his tenure, he met and photographed many presidents, actors, athletes and additional celebrities who appeared in Life, Time, People, Sports Illustrated and the other company magazines.
Peter was a dedicated member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Perth Amboy where he served in numerous capacities, including choir member and director, chairman of church festival, chanter and president of the Board of Trustees. Peter was an Archon of the order of St. Andrew of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He combined his professional skills and religious fervor as he photographed events for the Archdiocese of North and South America, as well as the American tour of Bartholomew the Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church. Beyond his participation in the church and love for photography, Peter was passionate about the NY Yankees, watching nearly every game shown on TV over the past few years.
Peter met his future wife, Tessie, while in the choir at Holy Trinity church in Staten Island following his discharge from the USAF. On September 28, 1958, they got married, beginning a loving 65-year journey together. They had two children, Athena and Jim, who they raised in Edison while living next to Peter’s sister Bessie, her husband John and their children George and Athena.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Tessie (nee Rassias) Christopoulos, of Edison; a daughter, Athena Bertucci, and her husband, Albert, of Mendham; a son, James Christopoulos, and his wife, Gloria, of La Quinta CA; and four grandchildren, Peter and Stephanie Christopoulos, and Alex and Thomas Bertucci. He was predeceased by his sister, Bessie Varounis.
Visitation will be on Monday, February 26, 2024, 9-11 am, at St. Demetrios Church in Perth Amboy. A Funeral Service will be at 11 am. The interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 41-47 Wisteria Street, Perth Amboy, 08861.
Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ 08863.
[Obituary by Flynn & Son Funeral Home – Fords]
