Peter J. Stratis

Peter Jacob Stratis, of Potomac Falls, Virginia, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, April 26, 2013. He was 91. Peter was born on the island of Andros, Greece. Late in his teens, he enrolled in the Merchant Marine Academy of Hydra, Greece. However, the academy suspended operations during World War II with the Axis invasion and occupation of his beloved Greece, which he endured on the island of Andros, and on one occasion, drew the ire of occupation forces. He also witnessed the mass starvation in Athens that occurred during the war. After World War II, Peter re-enrolled into the Merchant Marine Academy of Hydra. As a merchant marine, he travelled the world from South America to Europe to Japan. Peter discharged from the merchant marine during a stop at Portland, Oregon, a city where his father had previously worked as a fisherman. There, he enrolled at Multnomah College for two years prior to moving to New York City to work for United Operators, a maritime shipping company owned by the Goulandris family. While working for United Operators, Peter’s appreciation for education continued, and he attended night school where he earned a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College, New York, N.Y. He would go on to have a lengthy and successful career at United Operators before retiring in 1987. Peter was the beloved husband of 49 years to Moska Stratis (nee Paralavos); devoted father of two daughters, Maria Apockotos (Stratis) of Tampa, Florida; and Vasiliki Kaffes (Stratis) of Ashburn, Virginia; and dedicated grandfather to three grandchildren, Peter, Christina, and Maria. He is predeceased by two brothers, Andoni and Nicholas. For most of his life, Peter resided in Cranbury, New Jersey, where he and Moska raised their family. He cherished the value of education and enjoyed reading, mostly Shakespeare and books about ancient Greece and maritime themes. He also appreciated taking long walks, especially on the beach and through the quaint town of Cranbury. He was a member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading Greek American civic and charitable organization. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 30, 2013, 12:00 PM at the Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County, 21580 Atlantic Blvd., Building D, Unit 160, Dulles, Va., 20166. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Leesburg Union Cemetery, 323 N. King St., Leesburg, Va., 20176. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution in his name be sent to the Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County Building Fund, 21580 Atlantic Blvd., Building D, Unit 160, Dulles, Va., 20166; or Evercare Hospice, 12018 Sunrise Valley Dr Reston, Va., 20191.

Peter J. Stratis

January 22, 1922 - April 26, 2013