Obituary: Peter Samuel Demos, 95, of Waterford

Peter Samuel Demos, age 95 of Waterford, passed away on December 14, 2015 at his residence.

He was born in Pittsfield, MA on January 8, 1920 the son of Samuel and Olga Gregory Demos. Peter was married to Photine M. Millaras on September 25, 1960 at St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church in New London. Photine passed away on February 16, 2011.

Peter was a graduate of Pittsfield High School, class of 1937, and he graduated from Purdue University, division of Technical Institutes in 1949. He joined the United States Air Force on May 15, 1942. He served three and a half years during World War II participating in seven combat missions in the European Theatre and five combat air missions.

He was awarded the Victory Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Citation, Air Medal, Combat Wings, American Campaign Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. He was also awarded seven Bronze Medals and five Air Medals. His squadron dropped supplies in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of the 9th Air Force Combat Troop Carrier Command with the 85th Squadron and the 437th Group. He participated in Normandy-Ardennes, Rome-Arno, Rhineland, Northern France, Southern France and Central Europe. He was discharged November 15, 1945.

Upon graduating from Purdue, he worked for Bates Expanded Steel Corporation, Magnesium Corporation of America, General Electric Co and then independently in building and construction. While working for General Electric he became a registered professional engineer, a designation he held for 40 years. While at GE he worked as a production engineer, purchasing value analyst and taught many technical courses for GE personnel. He was also a member of the Board of Realtors.

While living in Pittsfield, he was President of St. George Greek Orthodox Church for two years. He was a member of St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church in New London, a member of the order of AHEPA for 59 years and he had served as Lieutenant Governor and Governor of the Yankee District #7. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is survived by his daughter, Athena and her husband Richard Economou of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, his sister, Harriet Drivas of Poughkeepsie, NY, four grandchildren, Peter James and his wife Lillian Economou and their children Sebastian and Ava of North Brunswick, NJ,

Alexa and her husband Sean Rice and their son, J. Holden Richards Rice of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, James E. Economou III and Paul Economou both of Waterford. Besides his wife he was predeceased by his daughter, Euphrosine (Effie) Economou.

Peter loved his wife Photine, traveling the world and entertaining his children, grandchildren and friends. He was truly blessed to always be surrounded by his family.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 17 at 12 noon at St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church, 200 Hempstead St. New London. Interment with Military Honors will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

A visiting hour will be held at the church from 11 until the time of the service. Donations in his memory may be directed to St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church or Masonicare Home Health and Hospice, 339 Flanders Road, Suite 215, East Lyme, CT 06333.

Visitation

Thursday, December 17, 2015
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Saint Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church
200 Hempstead St.
New London,, CT 06320

Funeral Service

Thursday, December 17, 2015
12:00 PM

Saint Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church
200 Hempstead St.
New London, CT 06320