Obituary of Hercules Peter Sotos

It is with great sadness that the family of Hercules Peter Sotos announce his passing. On March 28, 2022 he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Hercules was the most devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He is remembered as a kind-hearted gentleman who cared deeply for his family and friends, and enriched the lives of so many.

Hercules was born in Salonika, Greece in 1933.  He immigrated to America in 1946 during World War II. Upon arriving to New York, Hercules set out to achieve the American Dream.  In the 1950s he served honorably in the US Army during the Korean War. He graduated from New York University and The Harvard Advanced Management Program. He began his career in 1957 at AMF and moved to WR Grace before embarking on a 26-year career at International Playtex Inc. During his time at Playtex, Hercules was promoted to Chief Financial Officer and then President.  He retired in 1994 as part owner and Vice Chairman of Playtex Apparel. 

His strength and determination enabled him to accomplish anything that came to mind.  Hercules had a passion for hard work, but he also enjoyed making memories with his Tuesday night tennis group, skiing around the country with life-long friends, and traveling the globe with Mary.  He spent summers in Quogue, NY where his family and friends gathered each weekend, and most recently reconnected with business friends in Naples, Florida where he found the perfect sunset and martini.  

No matter the time or location, Herc’s face would light up when he was with his grandchildren; they made him so proud.  He was an instrumental part of their everyday lives.  The cherished time his family spent together built bonds and instilled values and respect for each other.  These lessons are part of his legacy.  

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Sotos, his children, Cynthia Nelli (Richard), Peter Sotos (Marie-Regina), and Christina Webber (Stephen), and his beloved grandchildren Richard, Christine, Hercules, Patricia and Nicholas. He is predeceased by his parents Peter and Fotini Sotos and his sister Marina Xanthos.

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday, April 1, 2022 at The Greek Orthodox Church of our Saviour in Rye, NY.

He will be forever missed and always remembered.