QUMINCY, MA – The beloved Peter (Panayiotis) Karavites, 88, of Quincy, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on June 16, 2020. He devoted his life to his faith, family, and profession and now joins his adored wife Christine (Chonis) Karavites.

Born in Patras, Greece, he was the eldest son of the late Themistocles and Kalliope (Aravanis) Karavites. Peter grew up in Greece and came to the United States in 1953 to further his education. He held a MA from the University of Chicago and a PhD from Loyola University in Chicago. Peter was a longtime chanter at numerous churches in the United States and Greece and a lifelong student of Byzantine music.

Peter was honorable, incredibly humble, quiet, yet witty. One had to listen carefully to his hushed remarks to catch the layers of knowledge and understated humor that rewarded patient listeners with laughter and insight into the mind of a truly wise man. Often deep in thought, his adoration for children, gardening and spending time in Greece with his wife Christine would bring a small grin to his face. He was most happy with a sweet Greek coffee discussing history, politics, and foreign affairs at the Patra Palace with his longtime friends or his Koumbaro. Known to his loved ones as Papou, Nouno, and Taki, he will be dearly missed by all who were blessed with experiencing his unmatched chivalry and kindness.

Peter was the patriarch of his large Karavites family in Patras and is survived by his two sisters and four of his brothers, Esta, Yiannis, Yiota, Ilias, Andreas, and Christos. He leaves behind a daughter and son, Kalliope Micalizzi and her husband David, and Themistocles Karavites and his wife Emilija, as well as his two beloved granddaughters, Kristina and Athena.

Calling hours were on Thursday, June 18 from 9:00-10:00 AM in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Brockton followed by a funeral service. Internment followed in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 457 Oak St, Brockton, MA 02301.

He will remain in our hearts forever. May his memory be eternal.