Peter Ernest Merisotis, son of the late Athena (Stefanis) and Anastasios Merisotis, passed away on Sunday, March 08, 2015.
Born in Manchester, NH on November 3, 1922 he grew up in Derry, NH and moved to the Hartford area as a young man. He worked briefly for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft before enlisting in the Air Force during World War II. He was a proud member of the 44th Bomb Squadron of the 8th Air Force stationed in England. While performing one of their missions over Germany his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and was forced to crash land in Switzerland where Peter was taken prisoner and remained a Swiss Internee for almost a year. After returning to Connecticut following the war, Peter worked in several jobs, including running a luncheonette on State Street in Hartford before finding his calling as a salesman. He spent most of his sales career selling baby photography. Peter was a born salesman and enjoyed selling up until his retirement at the age of 72. Upon retirement Peter and Diana spent many years living in Palm Bay, Florida before he moved to Tarpon Springs, FL.
Peter was a musician most of his life, playing the mandolin for almost 80 years. He would sing almost continuously to his children and grandchildren. He loved his church and was a proud member of the St. George church choir for over 25 years. He was a longtime member of AHEPA and served as President of the local Nathan Hale Chapter. He also served on the St. George parish council for many years. Peter also served on the Democratic Town Committee in Manchester for many years. Besides music, Peter's other love was gardening. He loved to spend his spare time in the garden and tending to his fruit trees. Peter was a proud disabled veteran who in later years enjoyed reunions with his fellow Swiss Internees.
Peter is predeceased by his beloved wife of 47 years Diana Merisotis (Stafilarakis) and his brother George Merisotis. He is survived by his son Michael Merisotis and his wife Tammy Merisotis of Murrells Inlet, SC, his son Christopher Merisotis and his wife Wendy Merisotis of Coventry, CT, his son Jamie Merisotis and his wife Colleen O'Brien of Indianapolis, IN, his son Emanuel Merisotis and his wife Teresa Merisotis of Coventry, CT and his son Wayne Merisotis of Decatur, GA. Peter is also survived by his eight grandchildren Andrea, Amanda, Alexandra, Nicholas, Katherine, Benjamin, Stephen and Elizabeth Merisotis. He also leaves his brother Socrates Merisotis and his wife Dot, his sister Dorothy Savidakis as well as his sister-in-law Arlene Merisotis. He also leaves many nieces and nephews in the Merisotis, Savidakis and Stafilarakis families.
The Family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the VA medical center in Newington, The Retreat in Hartford, Fox Hill Center in Vernon, Consulting Ophthalmologists and Dr. Randy Rushin for making the last few years of Peter's journey fulfilling.
The funeral will be Friday, March 13, 2015 11am at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave., Hartford with the Rev. Dr. George F. Zugravu officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Calling hours will be Thursday 5-8pm at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield with a Trisayion service at 6pm.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Hartford in Peter's memory. To share a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.