Pete Anestis Kalatges, 85, of Greenville, passed away peacefully while visiting his birthplace, Agia Paraskevi, Lesvos, Greece, on Sunday, September 16, 2018.
Pete was the eldest son of the late Anestis and Eleni Kalatges. He came to the United States in the early 1960s and started the franchise restaurant “Petee’s” throughout the upstate. In 2001, Pete, along with his son, opened A&P Restaurant in Greer where he retired but still managed to show up every day to “charm” the public.
A business man of 50 years, he met so many people throughout his lifetime that turned into lasting friendships. He greeted everyone with his infectious smile and strong disposition. You never had to guess where you stood with him, as he spoke freely and openly to everyone. He believed in the importance of sacrifice, hard work, and dedication and instilled this in his children. Pete cherished his grandchildren. He was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. Pete and his wife enjoyed spending their summers in Greece with family and friends.
Although he was honored and proud to be an American, his hometown was always held special in his heart. We are thankful that God allowed him to visit his most beloved village one last time.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone for their love, prayers, and support during this time.
In addition to his wife of 48 years, Dora, Pete is survived by three daughters, Stasia Bakaes, husband Gus, Mina Troubetaris, husband George, and Leia Kapetanakis, husband Pete; a son, Anestis Kalatges, wife Laura; twelve grandchildren, Yianni and Naya, Eleni and Iliana, Stefano, Evan, Brie and Deni, Theodora, Panayiotis, Christos and Margaret; a brother, Christos Kalatges, wife Froso of Agia Paraskevi, Lesvos, Greece; a sister, Maria Jones of Pennsylvania; mother-in-law, Aglaia Bikas; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy Vrahnos, husband Bobby; two brothers-in-law, John Jones and George Bikas; and his father-in-law, Dennis George Bikas.
A visitation will be held Monday, September 24, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown with the Trisagion service at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service, officiated by Father Tom Pistolis, will be held Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral with burial to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 406 N. Academy St., Greenville, SC 29601.