Obituary: Peter W. Copelas, 72, Former Bank President, CEO, Board Member

Obituary from Campbell - Lee, Moody, Russell Funeral Home

Peter W. Copelas, 72 of Danvers passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014.

Peter was the President and CEO of Heritage Co-Operative Bank (now Salem Five Bank) of Salem. He started at Heritage Bank in 1965 and worked his way up to President and CEO in 1985, retiring from the Board of Directors in 2011. In his 46 years at the bank, he was a friendly face to all employees and customers, known to all - the George Bailey of his generation.

Peter will be remembered for his generous and kind spirit and his love of helping others - whether it be someone starting out their career in banking, someone buying their first home and looking for mortgage advice or the local waiter at a restaurant asking for stock market advice he was happy to help. His knowledge of business and finance was vast, and he took great pride out of his ability to help people finding success, large and small.

In his retirement, Peter took the most enjoyment from fishing and spending time with his children and grandchildren - he was a regular at all of his grandchildren’s sporting events including their soccer, basketball, lacrosse and football games.

Peter is survived by his loving wife Elaine Copelas of whom he shared 50 years of marriage with in May. Peter is also survived by his son George H. and his wife Lynne Copelas of North Reading, his son Phillip and his wife Carolyn Copelas of North Reading, his daughter Kimberly and her husband Mike Karras of Middleton, his brother George Copelas of Peabody and a sister Helen Vogler of Danvers. Peter is also survived by the absolute lights of his life - his eight grandchildren - Nicholas Copelas, Alexander Karras, Courtney Copelas, Kristina Copelas, Chloe Copelas, Marissa Karras, Kylie Copelas and Kaitlyn Copelas.

A funeral service will be celebrated at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 8 Lafayette Road, Ipswich on Saturday at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be at Campbell - Lee, Moody, Russell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly on Friday from 4-8 p.m. Burial will be in North Beverly Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in Peter’s memory to Assumption of the Virgin Mary Green Orthodox Church, 8 Lafayette Road, Ipswich, MA 01938 Attention: Father John Govostes. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com