Mr. Peter P. Panos

September 17, 2010

Peter P. Panos, 92, of Cicero, passed away Friday September 17th at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Albania, to Peter and Vasiliki Panos, he immigrated to Chicago in 1933. He worked at various restaurants and dinner clubs while in Chicago. Although a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, he always knew when the Yankees came to town to play the White Sox. He felt privileged to meet various professional baseball players, which included Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Roger Maris who frequented the clubs. He resided in Chicago until moving to Syracuse in 1966 to initiate the startup of a McDonald’s Restaurant. He was a US Army Veteran of World War II. He served on the outpost Attu in the Aleutian Islands as a radio operator. He operated both code and voice sets. He invented the azimuth indicator so that radio operations could radio azimuths of objects in question. His idea was developed into a “must” on all observation posts in his sector of the Aleutians. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his invention. He co-owned and operated several McDonald’s Restaurants in CNY for over 21 years before retiring in 1986. He was a member of St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church and its AHEPA Society, a past member of the Lions Club, an avid poker player and along with his wife Martha, were world travelers. Peter was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Martha (Skopis) in April.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law; John and Jackie (Egnoto) Panos, of Cicero a daughter; Patty Panos, of Cicero, 4 grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papou”; Christopher Panos, of CA, Jason Panos, of Brewerton, Stephanie (Mike) Riesbeck, of N. Syracuse and Ashley Egnoto, of Baldwinsville, 2 great-grandsons; Alec, of Constantia and Brodi, of Brewerton, a brother; Paul (Elaine) Panos, of N. Syracuse and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday September 22nd at 10 am in St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, Syracuse. A calling hour for family and friends will be from 9 to 10 am Wednesday prior to services at the church, 325 Waring Rd. Burial with military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Syracuse. BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME has care of arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.bagozzitwins.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088.