Peter Lampros

He is survived by his wife, Rita Perry Lampros; stepdaughter, Amy McBryde; grandchildren, Maisy and Max Crist; brother, John Lampros (Susan); sister, Deanna Norton; nieces, Pamela Howard and Joanna Johnson; and nephew, Timothy Norton. He is preceded in death by parents, James and Christine; brother, Timothy; nephew, James Lampros; and brother-in-law, Richard Norton.

Peter graduated from Fayetteville Senior High School in 1960. He continued his education at Wofford College, where he excelled academically, ranking third and later sixth in his class during the 1961-62 and 1963-64 school years, respectively. He received a Bachelor of Arts in History and was nominated for the Outstanding ROTC Graduate Trophy and awarded the title of Distinguished Military Graduate for his leadership, moral character, and academic achievements. A lifelong academic, Peter was a magna cum laude Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wofford College. He held a Ph.D. from Tulane University specializing in Central America and the Caribbean and an M.A. from the University of South Carolina in Latin American History.

Peter had a distinguished military career, accepting an indefinite-term commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1964. He completed the aerial surveillance officer course at Fort Holabird, Maryland, and served active duty as a United States Army Intelligence Officer, CONUS, from 1965 to 1967 in Vietnam. He was promoted to First Lieutenant and retained his commission with the U.S. Army Reserves after his return home in 1967, receiving an honorable discharge in 1979.

Peter worked within Mecklenburg County High schools as a history teacher for over thirty years, retiring in 2007. From 1983, he lectured in the Department of History at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Prior roles included research and teaching positions at Tulane University, the University of South Carolina, and the University of New Orleans.

Peter's passion for learning and service extended beyond himself; he mentored young minds. While teaching within the Mecklenburg County High Schools, and even beyond, he was involved in enrichment initiatives and volunteering, heavily supporting the high school Debate Team, from skillset coaching to rides to practice. Known for his engaging conversations, he loved a good debate and appreciated life's ironies.

Family gatherings with him were incomplete without chocolate chip cookies and his playful teasing. If you earned a nickname from Peter, it was yours for life. He was especially devoted to his wife, Rita, and their grandchildren, Maisy and Max. More than just a lover of knowledge and classic cars—his MGB 50 was a favorite—Peter collected meaningful moments and connections. His influence prompted deeper thinking and broadened horizons.

A funeral service will be held at McEwen Funeral Service - Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Rd. Charlotte, NC, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 9, with a reception to follow.

A graveside service with Military Honors is scheduled for Monday, September 11, at 1:00 PM at Lafayette Memorial Cemetery in Fayetteville, NC. Peter's life was defined by his service, academic pursuits, and dedication to family. He will be profoundly missed.