Obituary of Peter Katsarakes

Peter Katsarakes, age 84, born on September 21, 1923 in Salem, resided in Lexington and formerly of Peabody, peacefully passed away while surrounded by his loving family on Sunday at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late George and Irene (Mandragouras) Katsarakes. He is survived by his loving wife Carol (Georgelas) Katsarakes of Lexington with whom he shared over 52 years of marriage, and his children who he was so very proud of, George and his wife Yiota Katsarakes of Lexington and grandchildren Kiki, Peter and Vasili, Heidi and her husband John Marino of Andover and grandchildren Michael and Christina, and Irene and her husband John Basdakis of Aliso Viejo, CA and grandchildren Caroline and Spiro. He is also survived by his sisters, Georgia Katsarakes and Annie and her husband Mike Pappas, both of Peabody and Kay and her husband Nick Spaneas of Arlington, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Stephen Katsarakes of Peabody, Theodore Katsarakes of Manchester, NH and Nicholas Katsarakes of Peabody. Mr. Katsarakes served his country is WWII and survived the Battle of the Bulge and the Invasion of Normandy Beach. He became a police officer in 1949 and served the City of Peabody until he retired in 1962. He was proud to have been the first full time Greek-American to join the police force. He loved music and was an accomplished musician. He played the bouzouki, a Greek instrument and for over 50 years, entertained thousands with his music. He played with a Greek-American band called the Orientals in the 50’s and then in the 60’s for many years with the well known New England band called The Levendes Orchestra where they played for countless weddings, baptisms, and other occasions all over New England, and the east coast. He recorded albums with the late Sarkesian Brothers and played with the well-known violinist Freddy Elias of New York. Mr. Katsarakes was a member and past president of the Saint Vasilios Men’s Club, a member of the Order of AHEPA, the Masonic Lodge AF & AM Jordan Lodge, The American Legion Post 0153, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, Post 1011, all in Peabody. He was dearly loved and will truly be missed. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, September 4th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street, Peabody. His funeral service will be held on Friday at 9:00 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. in St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody.