Petros "Pete" Chiras

WASHINGTON- Petros “Pete” Panayiotis Chiras, 66, of Washington, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Pete was born on December 16, 1949 in Lefkoniko, Cyprus to Panayis P. and Irene Michanicou Chiras. He married Gloria A. Hoelscher on May 18, 1974 in Peoria. She survives and resides in Washington. Surviving are two sons, Nickolas (Jennifer) Chiras and Michael (Stephanie) Chiras, both of Washington; four grandchildren, Petra, Luka, Henry, and Anne; three sisters, Martha of England, Helen of Nicosia, Cyprus, and Loula (Kikis) Tyrimos of Larnaca, Cyprus; four brothers, Nikos (Thalia), Fotos (Andre), Costats (Miro), all of Larnaca, Cyprus, Michael (Maria) of Peoria; one half-brother, Vassos (Anna) Panayitou of Nicosia; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one nephew. Pete immigrated to the United States in 1972 and found work as a painter. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1981. Together with his cousin, they established Quality Painting and Decorating in 1984. In 1997, he then developed P.C. Painting and Decorating; retiring in July 2013. He was a retired member of Painters Local 157 in Peoria. Pete was an incredibly kind and generous soul. He always put everyone's needs above his own. He would volunteer his time over and over again. He helped with painting his sons’ school, volunteered for the numerous organizations he was a part of and sponsored many softball teams. Above all else, he put his family first, making sure time and time again they were taken care of before himself. He loved and cherished every moment he could spend with his family, especially his grandchildren, spoiling them at every chance possible. Pete could often be found on his computer, listening to his beloved Greek music and smiling adoringly at his family. Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria, OSF Hospice Services, or to an education fund for his grandchildren c/o CEFCU. A funeral service for Pete will be held on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 11:00A.M. at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Peoria. Rev. Dr. Ciprian Sas will officiate. There will be a visitation on Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 4:00P.M.-6:00P.M. at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Trisagion prayers will begin at 6:00P.M. There will be an additional visitation on Monday at the church from 10:30A.M.-11:00A.M. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

Petros "Pete" Chiras

December 16, 1949 - March 1, 2016