Passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at the age of 87. He was the dear and loving husband of Toula (nee Petropoulos) for almost 64 years. His cherished son, George, preceded him in death. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter " "the apple of his eye" " Marlene (Charles) Karides Ego and his son " "his great pride" " Steven (fianc, Julia Beaubien) Karides. He is also survived by his sister Gregoria (Raymond) Karides Suchy of Pasadena, CA. His four adoring grandchildren, Tiffany (Dr. Brian) Jacobsen, Stephanie Karides, Krista Karides and Joseph Karides miss their "Papou/Popsie". His precious great-grandson, Charles James Jacobsen always brought a smile to his face. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Nicholas (Angie) Petropoulos of Lake Geneva, WI, sisters-in-law, Sophie (late Thomas) Petropoulos of Daytona Beach, FL and Pauline (late George) Youtsos of Chicago. Many nieces and nephews further survive him both here and in Greece.Peter was born in Milwaukee in 1925 to immigrant parents, George and Marouli (nee Stratigos), from Greece. His father, together with his brothers had come to the United States and settled in Milwaukee in the early 1900's. They established a most successful photography studio which Peter also participated in as he was growing up. He graduated from West Milwaukee High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. His entire family was musical " in fact during the 1930's the family would play Greek music on the radio at WTMJ weekly. Peter played the accordion while his sister would play piano and uncles on guitar and mandolin. But in the Army, Peter played clarinet and Eb Sax with the 203rd Army Ground Forces Band. He always shared stories about the famous people he was able to play with and all the generals he was fortunate to rub elbows with while he served. When Peter returned home, he met and married his sweetheart, Toula. They were married in Milwaukee on October 24, 1948. He continued to work in the photography studio until he decided to go to MSOE for an Associate degree in electrical engineering. He set up a business, Teleco Company that began as a television repair shop. He quickly expanded it to a wholesale business where people would shop for all types of merchandise and if they had the "Teleco Buyers Card" would receive a discount on their items. He would hand design and distribute a Spring and Fall Catalogue for people to aid their shopping. He branched off from there and in 1963 established another business, this time a discount department store named "Utell Department Store." There were two locations in the city and it was his hope to expand further but due to some internal challenges, the stores closed in 1967. This offered him the opportunity to begin his next career in real estate development. This proved to be a most lucrative and productive career for Peter. He worked with many different restaurant chains and found locations for them. He developed shopping centers as well.Peter had a deep love for the Orthodox Church. His father and uncles were part of the immigrant "bachelors" who helped establish the Milwaukee Greek church of Annunciation. Peter served his church on the church board for twenty years. He was part of the group that worked with Frank Lloyd Wright to design the present building. He served as treasurer, Vice-President, and as President of the board.In 1996 Peter and Toula became "snow birds" to Naples, Florida where again, he didn't remain idle. He lived in Pelican Bay and loved the trams that took the guests to and from the beach every day. Being a people oriented person, he applied to be a "tram driver" and enjoyed all the friendships he made over the next 12 years in that position. He gave it up when his health began to fail. Eventually Peter and Toula moved back full time to Wisconsin where he received care for congestive heart disease.The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the wonderful caregivers at Oak Ridge Care Center and Timber Oaks Care Center in Union Grove. Their dedication and excellent care kept Peter happy and comfortable.Visitation will be held on Monday, June 11, 2012 from 4:30"7:30 PM at the Funeral Home. A Trisagion will be said at 6:30 PM, Rev. Father Angelo Artemas officiating. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 9400 West Congress Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM and services will begin at 10:00 AM. Entombment with Military Honors will follow at Wisconsin Memorial Park.
