Petros "Peter" A. Potaris

Petros Achille Potaris, known to all as Peter, ( 1940- 2025) passed away on 1/24/25 at St. Catherine’s Hospital in Smithtown following a cardiac arrest.

Peter was a a loyal and loving man who devoted his life to his family and to work. He was born in Cairo, Egypt to Despina and Ioannis Potaris in a loving Greek household which included his grandparents, his older sister and constant visits from aunts, uncles and eleven cousins, who were as close as siblings. His father owned a bookshop where Peter, his sister and many of the cousins were employed in their youth.  It was here that the importance of education and supporting ones family were values instilled in the young boy. Peter was first in his class. He was fearless. He  loved to climb trees and ride his bike throughout the city. He was also an outstanding athlete in both track and field and football, a.k. Soccer. Peter dreamed of a life at sea but eventually succumbed to his father’s wishes for a stable life shoreside.

Peter emigrated to New York on a student visa where he joined his sister and brother-in-law who sponsored him. He worked his way through school as a waiter and eventually graduated from New York University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering . He would later go on to receive a Master’s  from C.W. Post.  His first employment was with Pan American Airline where he was responsible for the proper functioning of the electrical system of the fleet.

Later he would go on to work for Telephonics for decades.

Peter met and fell in love with Monika Nurberg Retus, a beautiful young widow, and her three dear boys. Monika and Peter married on April 15,1972. Finally, Peter the carefree bachelor gladly settled down with great purpose and motivation to be the best family man he could. This commitment lasted until his very last day 52 years later.

 Two years ago Peter was preceded in death by his son Raymond, a devastating loss. He will be missed by his devoted wife, his two beloved  sons, Brian(Merry) and Michael( Rosalie); seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, the tenth is expected in a just few  days! His sister, Stavroula Christodoulou, his niece, Isabel  and  his nephew, Paul, his great niece,  two great nephews and his five cousins across four continents.

Peter was an inspiration because of his grace and courage as he battled Lymphoma  for 19 years and tripple by pass surgery. Rarely would he complain. He always had a kind smile and nod to say : “ Everything is ok. “

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.