My condolences to Peter's family and other friends.

Peter was a pretty damn good rare book seller as a part-timer. He specialized in natural history.  He sold at least one first edition of THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES by Charles Darwin, 1859.  It is not a rare book, but there certainly is demand for it.  As I recall, he sold the copy for $25,000.

Peter was hooked into The Field Museum of Natural History.  He invited me to join him as a second opinion in an appraisal of a donation of John James Audubon's original manuscript diary for his trip from America to England to find a publisher who could suitably produce THE BIRDS OF AMERICA.  

There were multiple pencil sketches by Audubon in the manuscript; but, there were also missing sketches.  I seemed to recall an original sketch by Audubon which I had seen listed in the rare book catalogue of a book dealer in Connecticut.  Indeed, it was one of the missing sketches, and it was s till in the dealer's inventory.  I brought it to Peter's attention, and he ordered it, and offered it for sale to the Field Museum Library, at the same price for which it had been catalogued: $25,000.  The Library took quite some time to finish paying for it, but the sketch and the diary have been reunited.  

I hope Pete has met Audubon in heaven, and I hope he tells him that anecdote.

Pete was a close friend and brother. I'll miss you Panagiotis!
Charlie Shabica

Pete and I were both long time employees of NEIU. Mostly, I would see him at the annual Biology Department plant sale. Any time I interacted with him, it was a pleasant experience and, although weren't close friends, it was apparent that he was a kind and decent man. He exuded a sweetness that anyone could see.  Sorry for this loss to his family and our community.

I am so sorry to hear.  I worked with Peter for most of the time he was at NEIU and although we were in different buildings, he always said hello and had a smile.  May he rest in God's eternal peace.

My condolences to the family of Peter Fortsas. I did not get the chance to meet him, but just reading over his memorial note, I can see he was a major thread in the fabric of Northeastern Illinois University, and as a current student, I appreciate that very much. 

Thank you, Peter!
Christina

I am so sorry to hear about Peter's passing.  Had I known about it, I would have attended the wake or funeral.  I knew Peter well from my undergraduate days at NEIU and from my early years as a faculty member in Biology.  Unfortunately, we fell out of touch after he left NEIU.  He always had a kind heart, and I will remember him fondly.

On our first visit to Chicago Pete took us to this diner and we had the best time. We sat and talked for a few hours. He was such a sweet guy.  He took the time to show us around town.  He was a wonderful cousin. We will miss you Pete!!

Here is great memories of Pete and his daughters

Peter~~

***A Gentle Friend & Πατριοτη

     ~~Will Always Remember 
           His Smile Which Was Even
          Brighter When He Was In
         The Presence Of His  Treasured
          Daughters Anna & Katie!

          —-The Same Joy His Mother
                Felt When In  His Presence!


+++MAY HIS MEMORY 
        BE ETERNAL+++

+++++++++++++++++++

+++ΑΙΩΝΙΑ Η ΜΝΗΜΗ+++

God bless you cousin, you will be missed.  When ever I saw you, you always had a smile on your face.  You were full of happiness, enthusiasm and adventure.  Seeing you in Anogeia, in October,  brought me such joy.  Your zest for life was infectious and a breath of fresh air.  
You were taken from us way too soon.  May your memory always be eternal.  Love you dear cousin. Καλώ παράδεισο.  
Legeri

Peter ... We were fast Friends when first meeting at 14. You were my Teacher, my Confidante, my Brother.
We shared good food and fine wine,  walked thru the silence of falling snow, hiked the English countryside, shared music and laughter, culture and history.  You taught me to appreciate orchids and horticulture,  rare books and antiquities.  You were a comedian, and a proud Greek. A family man,  you were proudest of your Daughters,  Anna & Katie, for whom you expressed your constant love.  You left this Earth too young Peter,  but the memories we carry will be forever in our hearts.

I first met Peter as a fellow science student at NEIU.  I learned he attended Schurz High School; I grew up in that same neighborhood.  I watched and heard Peter work in the Biology department from the office of my first clerical job at NEIU on the third floor of the Science Building.  He was the happiest at NEIU then, and always busy, between preparing labs for faculty, and co-managing two prep rooms, and the greenhouse.  This was my first full time job, where he then became my colleague and mentor.  He was always looking out for me, and just so incredibly knowledgeable.  He always had me keeping an eye out for bookshelves, especially the ones with the multiple slats, where different book sizes could be accommodated, for his growing book business.  Later, between us, all of the licensed radioactive material sources in storage, left by a retired biology professor for a defunct nuclear safety program, were safely disposed of.  I started the project, and he finished it after taking my position when I left NEIU in 2002.  The last time I spoke with him, all he would talk about was his daughters, and how proud he was of them.  I will miss my dear friend, until we meet again in Heaven.

Peter, my friend of almost 50 years, my Brother, was smart, funny, generous, adventurous & loving. He was a true Renaissance man who loved good food & fine wine,  hiking & nature,  rare books & antiquities, horticulture & orchids, history & culture,  to name a few.  He was proudest of his Daughters,  Anna & Katie, whom he loved so dearly. Peter will be forever in our hearts.

Pete was a wonderful neighbor. Even though I moved out years ago, I come back to see my ex. I just saw Pete in October and we reminisce about the old days and fun we all had at the block parties.I mentioned about selling my records and Pete helped me with that. Was happy he made it to Greece one more time. I wanted to have lunch with him but of course life gets in the way. I will never forget his kindness.

So very sorry for your loss. 

My father and I both knew Pete from our years at NEIU. Always quick with a smile and a joke and the most endearing personality. He really was an upstanding gentleman. 

I wish we could have stayed in contact, however; his kindness lives on in our memories of him. I lost my son just over a year and a half ago, so now I think perhaps he will meet my son in Heaven and they can discuss the old NEIU days. 

We were lucky to have known such a kind hearted man. God’s Blessings to Pete and his friends and family. May Mr Fortsas rest peacefully, and may the Lord  raise Pete up on eagles wings and hold him in the palm of His hand, until we meet again. 

My father and I sent a small flower arrangement because Pete deserved to be acknowledged for his kindness and thoughtfulness. I kept all the flowers after my son passed, may you find comfort in knowing Pete was well loved by many. 

Sincerely, Colleen Gillespie and family and John Kroll

I still cannot believe Pete is gone. He always greeted me with a smile and all I can see is his smiling face. Pete was my older first cousin... as a kid I thought he was the coolest guy. He told the most amazing mesmerizing stories and made me laugh so hard. He never changed !! I so enjoyed talking with him. After his girls were born every conversation always came back to his girls who he loved so much! His whole world revolved around his daughters... that's all he talked about... and his beloved Greece... 🇬🇷 I will miss you cuz. Love, Patty Fortsas

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Peter, who was not just a renowned rare book dealer but a passionate curator of knowledge. His dedication to preserving and sharing the treasures of natural history through his collection of over 50,000 books was truly remarkable. His loss will be felt by many in the trade that knew him but his legacy lives on by every book he sold, inspiring new and old collectors that shared his enthusiasm. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.

My name is Jack, Electrcian from NEIU.
I knew Pete, a great guy, much to young for  him leaving us. My condolences !!!

Pete, my very own most interesting man in the world. A true Renaissance man.  I was blessed to know Pete for most of my life and his friendship is something I will truly miss.  
My deepest condolences to everyone who is affected by his departure from this world, especially Anna and Katie. He loved his girls tremendously and was so proud of the strong, amazing, beautiful women they both were growing up to be. Pete achieved many things but he knew his greatest achievement was blessing this world with two amazing young women. Rest in peace my sweet friend 💜

So sorry for your loss. I knew Pete in high school and college. He was a nice guy and helped me thru physics. My mother knew his mom Maria from the hot dog stand. I will always remember him with fondness

Pete and I were friends and work colleagues at NEIU during the 1980s. Pete was Technical Assistant for Biology; I was his counterpart in Earth Science. In 2006, I attended a NEIU alumni event and met Pete (who was by then working for the Earth Science Department) and Anita Brandes, our 1970s predecessor, when this photo was taken. I remember Pete as a nice guy who was very knowledgeable.  Pete, you left us too soon. I will miss you.

Peter has been a part of our lives since school days, for over 50 years. There have been many fond memories but the main thing to remember is that Peter lived a good life. He was fun loving and enjoyed good company, family and friends, lifelong learning, good food and drink, books, music, adventures and travels.  His friendship enriched our lives and he will be greatly missed.
With much love and sadness we offer our deepest sympathies to all family and friends.
Barbara and Carl Waters

Thank you Pete for introducing us to the Monastery and cave in the Taygetos Mountains of Greece

Peter Fortsas was a scholar and educator and was happy showing Chicago students the wonders of Greece

Would love to see a new Botanic Garden in Sparta, Greece named after my old friend and colleague Pete Fortsas.

Dr. Charles Shabica, Emeritus Professor, Northeastern Illinois University

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Peter James Fortsas

1 décembre 1960 – 17 décembre 2023

Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home

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