Peter J. Matsas

Peter James Matsas, 92, of Windham and Storrs CT passed away May 10, 2019. Peter, son of James and Sophia Matsas, was born in Somerville, MA February 19, 1927. He graduated from Somerville High School, Manter Hall Prep, and Boston Business Institute. A WWII veteran, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard aboard the USS Orlando, PF 99 in 1945-46 while doing duty in the North Pacific. He then joined the W.T. Grant Co. and for the next 27 years managed multiple stores throughout the Northeast. In 1971 he was appointed store manager in Willimantic until 1976 when the company declared bankruptcy. In 1976, he opened the Ben Franklin Store in East Hampton, CT along with his wife Evelyn which they ran together for the next 25 years, retiring in 2001. They spent much of the next 13 years in Naples, FL enjoying golf and swimming in the gulf. A proud grandfather, one of his greatest joys was experiencing all the accomplishments of his five grandchildren.

Peter was predeceased by his wife Evelyn of 61 years, brothers Donald and Charles Matsas of Wayland and Medford, MA respectively. He is survived by sons David Matsas and wife, Jane Toomey of Woodstock, CT and Peter Mark Matsas of East Hartford, CT; daughter, Sharon Loree and husband, Charles of Mansfield; grandchildren, Bridget and Hannah Matsas, Dane Loree and wife, Erica Vaughn; Connor and Alexa Loree; great grandchildren, Olivia and Parker; sister, Dorothy Zevitas and sister-in-law Carol Matsas as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Tuesday May 14, 2019 at 11:00-12:00 pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 247 Washington St. Norwich, CT with funeral mass to follow at 12:00 pm. Burial with full military honors to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery Club Rd. Willimantic, CT.

The family would like to thank Windham Hospital and Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice Care who showed Peter love and compassion.  A special thank you to family member Robyn Frazier who was his devoted caregiver. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 247 Washington St., Norwich, CT 06360 where he was an active member for 45 years. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com

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