Obituary of Peter Katchis

OBITUARY OF PETER THEODORE KATCHIS

Peter Katchis, devoted family man and respected businessman, passed away peacefully at the age of 93. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, knowledge, and love that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Born in Epirus, Greece, in 1931 to Victoria Paskos and Theodore Katchis, Peter was the second child in his family. Peter was a United States citizen by birth, gaining citizenship by derivation from his father who had immigrated to America in 1917 and became a naturalized citizen. In 1938, after the passing of his grandfather in Epirus, Peter’s mother sent a short telegram to his father: “Get ready, we’re coming.”

At just seven years old and with his US Passport in hand, Peter “led” his mother and brother into New York Harbor, where he met his father for the first time. The family settled in Flushing, New York.

Peter quickly adapted to his new life in America, attending P.S.120 elementary school, where he became fluent in English and developed a talent for woodworking. His academic excellence earned him acceptance into the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School, where he flourished, winning a New York State Math Medal. Determined to attend the best college for mathematics and engineering, he applied only to MIT where he was accepted and graduated in 1954 with a degree in mechanical engineering and business.

In his junior year at MIT, Peter met his future wife, Mary Tchakurides, on a blind date. They dated until Mary’s senior year at Simmons College and married on January 29th, 1956. The couple settled in Queens, New York, where Peter had already begun a career in technology and finance. He started at Grumman Aircraft in Long Island, working in financial planning before moving to IBM, where he was responsible for the data processing division and was introduced to computers during their earliest stages. He then worked in financial planning at General Electric Pension Fund before transferring to Bache & Company, where he was involved in pioneering the field of quantitative analysis. In addition to his corporate roles, Peter was a true entrepreneur, investing in restaurants, real estate, and various business ventures throughout his life.

Peter retired from business at the age of 55 but remained deeply engaged in investing and the stock market.

Peter cherished opportunities to discuss finance with anyone, especially his children and grandchildren. Aside from finance, Peter had a passion for flying. Unable to get a pilot’s licence due to a childhood illness affecting his vision, he returned to his love of building and flying model airplanes. Over the years, he amassed an impressive fleet of meticulously built model airplanes and actively participated in model airplane clubs and competitions throughout the tri-state area.

After moving to Scarsdale, New York in 1969, Mary and Peter became active members of the Greek Orthodox Church of our Savior in Rye, New York. Over the years, Peter served on the parish council and also taught Sunday school.

Peter was a devoted husband and loving father and above all felt his greatest accomplishment was his family. He is survived by his wife Mary, their three children and respective spouses, Randall & Frostine Katchis, Stuart & Ellen Katchis, and Victoria Katchis & Timothy Nye. Additionally, he was blessed with eight grandchildren—Justin (Jazmin), Derek (Annie), Alexandra (Connor) Walsh, Christopher, Nicole, Ryan (Abby), Garrett, and Megan—and two great-grandchildren, Nova and Luna, all of whom he adored. Peter formed close relationships with each of them, often sharing stories and wisdom that will live on for generations. Peter was predeceased in death by his parents and brother Gus Katchis.

Peter’s life was one of passion, discipline, perseverance and love for those around him. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Wake and Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am at the Church of our Savior located in Rye, New York on Tuesday, March 18th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter’s name to the Church of our Savior or to the charity of your choice.

Visitation

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

Greek Orthodox Church of our Saviour

2195 Westchester Avenue

Rye, NY 10580

Funeral Service

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

Greek Orthodox Church of our Saviour

2195 Westchester Avenue

Rye, NY 10580

Burial

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

Kensico Cemetary

273 Lakeview Ave.

Valhalla,, NY 10595