The Life of Mr. Peter Katsafanas
Peter Katsafanas, 71, of Kutztown, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023 at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Peter was the son of the late Basil and Patricia (Copetas) Katsafanas, and was Greek Orthodox in faith.
Peter was employed by Unclaimed Freight until his retirement, and was formerly the Sports Information Director at Kutztown University.
Peter is survived by his sister, JoAnn M. Katsafanas, Pittsburgh; nephew, Jacob B. Katsafanas; and many friends.
A Trisagion Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, PA, with Fr. Demetrius Nicoloudakis, Pastor of Saint Matthew's Greek Orthodox Church, Blandon, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Kutztown.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.
Filter Mr. Peter Katsafanas's Timeline by the following Memory Categories
2023.01.24
One of the Good Guys
Pete was one of the good guys. I feel very furtunate to call him friend. I will miss our football simulation games and banter about life. Rest in Peace.
2023.01.24
One of the Good Guys
Kind hearted & made friends with everyone. One of the good guys. RIP Pete the Greek.
2023.01.24
A wonderful person
It was some years ago I crossed paths with Pete for the first time in computer gaming. He had a love for football and computer football games. I joined a league and he welcomed me with open arms. The league itself folded a couple of years later, but when I joined for another league I found out how well Pete was known. For he was in many leagues and when I joined another league he was one of the first to welcome me aboard. Pete was an outstanding person always a pleasure to talk with and play games against. Always a gentleman and well liked. Thank you Pete for the terrific memories. Until we meet again.
2023.01.24
Football Gaming
Pete was always a Gentleman. Getting together to play games, during, and after was always fun and entertaining. He will be missed by his friends that shared his hobby, but he won't be forgotten. A few Leagues have honored him by naming their Championship Game after him. Rest in peace my friend.
Percy
2023.01.24
Long Time Friend
I was fortunate enough to know Pete since the early 90s. I came down to his home in Kutztown from Canada in 1994 to play him head-to-head in our sim football league. He was a great league member and did everything he could to expand the "friendship network" of sports sim games. We spoke just a couple weeks ago and he was lending me encouragement about my aging parents and in the spring he was a great support to a childhood friend of his who was having some health issues. My condolences to Pete's family and friends. He was the most caring soul and he will be greatly missed.
2023.01.24
Loved Sports
Pete shared a great love of football with our community. He was always a gentleman and embodied sportsmanship. You'll be missed by all.
2023.01.24
Football
Pete was always friendly, caring always asking how my family was. True good good who led his life with grace and love for others. I will miss talking with him every Sunday morning !
2023.01.24
Pinochle games
For many years, whenever my Brother Tony visited Pittsburgh, we always gathered at the Katsafanas house to play some double deck pinochle. Pete and I were partners versus Tony and Pete's Dad Basil. We lost every game for almost ten years, impossible you say, it wasn't. Basil and Tony would play conservatively. When they took the lead, Pete would bid like crazy in an attempt to stop our opponents. Whenevrr, Pete made a crazy bid, his Dad would get a look in eye while sipping his Old Milwaukee beer, this is my son, the fruit.of my loins as Pete ran around the table. We have a lot great memories from those games. Tommorow, I'll write about how the Out town Belch ers go their name.
2023.01.24
Concern
While I was dealing with my health Pete was always asking me how I was doing. He could always write something to make me laugh. In all capitals. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
2023.01.24
Action PC Football Leagues
I joined a football league Pete was in a couple of years ago. It was all new to me. Pete was one of the guys who welcomed me to the league. I had a million questions. He always answered anything I asked and was very kind a patient with me. He was always a pleasure to play a game with or just talk football or sports.
Since his passing, I have learned he was in a lot of leagues. I don't know how he kept track of which team is which and be able to play all those games. I am in 4 now, and that's as many as I can handle and it is a job to keep track of that many for me. Pete will be greatly missed. I am grateful I got to know him in the short time I got to.
2023.01.25
a good friend
i played him h2h football computer for almost 10 years or more ,we would chat a bit but we would have fun playing football computer in many league .i will miss him in the world of football computer .there where time i would get busy with my family i had to make him wait or cancel the game ,but he would alway say family come 1st and football later .yes i will miss him . vince diiorio
2023.01.25
A Faithful opponent and friend
to play with Pete. He was willing and open to work with all schedules. I remember once when I was playing against him and I was struggling hugely to stay awake. The pauses between plays must have been getting longer because it caused Pete to comment. Finally, he had enough. But instead of framing the situation as a huge irritation to him (which I'm sure it was), he turned it into a concern for my health. He said something like my "health and sleep are more important than this game. We need to stop now and reschedule when you are feeling better." We picked up and played later and nothing was ever said again about the awkward incident.
2023.01.25
A Great Guy to Know
I felt Iknew Pete and counted him as a friend, even I've never met him. We shared a lot of time together playing online fotball games. You could tell Pete loved the games (he always coached multiple teams) but more thatn that, you felt he enjoyed the time spent with another person that loved the game as much as he did. Whenever we would schedule time to play, he woud start his messgae with "Hello my Friend" and after the games were over, win or lose it was always "I'll see you next time, my friend, Pete the Greek". Pete was one of the genuinely good guys that you lookded forward to playing. Even though we have never met I will miss him and his positivity. Rest in Peace my friend.
2023.01.25
How the Belchers got their name
The OFl draft was in Kutztown that year. Colin and I met in Pete's dining room for the OFL title. At that time, the league used the old APBA Football game so were rolling dice. Pete was not in the league at that time. He and another coach John Buffolamo were watching TV and semi following the game. Suddenly there was a loud belch from the Living room and during the rest of the game, Pete and John had a belching contest. I won a very close game but what I remember most was the Belching contest which ended in a tie. In my previous memory, I forgot.to mention what Pete's Father Basil said when Pete made an outrageous bid. He said, Pete, you bid like a man with a paper a.........e, you figure out what he said and what he meant.
2023.01.25
Football Friend
My memories of Pete involve playing games in the CGFL. Pete was friendly, a good sport, considerate, and fun to play. Rest in peace my friend.
2023.01.25
Greek
I had the pleasure of working with and knowing Pete for many years. His intelligence and dedication gave the business we worked at an invaluable advantage. He also allowed for co-associates and myself to gain knowledge and important work experiences. Also, when the opportunity presented itself he always pointed out the importance of being understanding, compassionate and learning from what life teaches us. Even when Pete gave someone a harsh hard truth or fact we always knew it was from the heart. The advice he would sometimes share was always greatly valued. I will sorely miss our discussions about sports, politics, family, friendship, and life in general. Rest In Peace Big Brother. With Love and Respect. Mark B
2023.01.25
A friend
Only knew Pete a couple of years though an online league but every interaction was as if we had been friends for years, I will miss him.
2023.01.25
Pete the Greek
I was fortunate enough to play in several leagues with Pete, in fact every league I play in had a team that Pete coached, if not two or three. He will always be fondly remembered as a great person competitor and friend. God Bless you and your family.
2023.01.25
Computer Football
For the past quarter century, "Pete The Greek" was my online football pal. Through many leagues, Pete was always a good-natured gentleman who demonstrated humility and affability. Rest in Heaven, Pete!
2023.01.26
The Nicest Guy
I've been playing online football vs Pete for several years. He was always fun to chat with, easy to schedule with, and forgiving of others (read that as me) tardiness. He is sorely missed.
2023.01.26
Coach
I have only known Pete for a little over 4 years but it feels like a lifetime. I enjoy playing against Pete in our online football leagues. It was never about win or loss, but fellowship. I always enjoyed our chats after the games. Even my Wife knows the name Pete the Greek! I’ll miss our early morning weekend football games. I look forward to meeting you face to face in the afterlife! Until then, RIP My Friend!
2023.01.27
RIP Pete
I didn't know Pete well, but I knew him casually online for the better part of a decade, and what I knew, I sure liked. Nobody involved in our little hobby will remember "Pete The Greek," with anything but fondness and respect. He'll be missed and remembered.
- Dan O.
2023.01.27
The Immaculate Reception
Pete and I grew up on the same street, just a few houses from each other. We built a makeshift golf course in his back yard and played there for years. Basil and Pat wanted their yard to be a place where all the kids in the neighborhood could play without worry about the grass or the shrubs. We took that to heart! Pete and I and my brother, Gene, played whatever sport was in season, followed the Pirates and Steelers (we remember the Same Old Steelers). In high school, Pete was a score keepr for the basketball team and claimed major responsibility for the success of the team because he tutored George Karl, our star guard, through Latin.
In December 1972, Pete's uncle had tickets for the Steelers-Raiders Playoff game and was not able to attend so he passed along his tickets to Basil, Pete and me. Our seats were close to the 20 yard line and we saw the Immaculate Reception unfold before us. From despair to exultation in the course of 15 seconds. Pete and I often reminisced about this game especially during this 50th Anniversary year.
Pete was the best man at my wedding and I include a photo from that event. I am in the middle and Pete is to my immediate right
2023.10.21
Big impact on a short time
I met Pete during his short tenure at Ashland University. He made an immediate impact on our athletic department. Everyone who knew him ...loved the guy. I am so saddened that his life was cut short. I am grateful for the opportunity to know him. I am better for having him in my life. Condolences to his family. RIP Pete...Ralph Tomassi