Obituary of Peter Soteropoulos

Peter “Papou” Soteropoulos, 90, of Peabody, devoted husband of the late Matoula (Alevra) Soteropoulos, died suddenly Friday morning, December 11, 2015 at his home. Born in Kalamata, Greece on January 18, 1925, he was the son of the late Theodore and Yanoula (Kargas) Soteropoulos and was raised in Eva, Greece until 1956 when he immigrated to Peabody with his family. Peter loved the USA and the opportunities it provides for people who are honest and willing to work hard. A self taught carpenter, he established a successful business as a home builder and remodeler of residential properties during a 30 year professional career. peter had a “Heart of Gold” and always offered friends and neighbors a helping hand with projects. He was the consummate handyman. In fact, his grandkids coined the name, “Mr. Fix-It” for Papou. He was a devoted family man and cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed his vegetable garden, cooking and playing Gin Rummy and “Tavli” with his sons. He often said that his life had a purpose because of the closeness of his family. This commitment gave him the positive energy, as a cancer survivor, to live a long and productive life. Peter experienced his finest moment when his visited Greece with his family to watch his grandson participate in the Athens Olympic Games. The American Dream brought him back to his roots in a manner that even he never could have imagined. He was everyone’s “Papou”. His is survived by his sons, Theodore Soteropoulos and George and his wife Kate Soteropoulos, his grandchildren Peter Soteropoulos, Amy and Mark Vera, and Kara and Bill Van Slyke, his great grandchildren, Kambry and Jayce Vera, a sister, Helen Veil and many nieces and nephews whom he loved. A Visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 82 Lynn St., Peabody facility. His funeral will be held on Tuesday at 9:00 AM followed by Services in St. Vasilios Church, Peabody at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02110 in his memory.