Peter Emanual Castritsis Sr., DDS

A dedicated member of the Des Plaines and Park Ridge community for over 40 years, Dr. Castritsis lived a life of hard work, dedication, and mastering the craft of pranks. Beginning with his service to the United States Navy from 1952 - 1956, Peter served on the U.S.S. Hornet and later served at the Bethesda Naval Hospital, where he developed a passion for providing care to his community. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Peter enrolled at the University of Illinois – Champaign and completed his undergrad degree. He attended the prestigious University of Illinois - Chicago dental program. In 1961, he married the love of his life, Patricia, after they were introduced to each other on a blind date. The two traveled the world together with friends.

Dr. Castritsis opened his first dental practice in 1965 in Park Ridge. Eventually, he moved his practice to Des Plaines where he became a pillar within the community. Dr. Castritsis and Patricia raised their three children, Stephanie, Peter, and Valerie, instilling in them the values of compassion, dedication, and laughter (often to their own detriment). During his time in practice, he became the primary dentist for Maryville Academy, where he served in the role for over 40 years. While Dr. Castritsis took his work very seriously, the only thing he took more seriously was his level of dedication to a good prank. Often at the expense of patients, his children, and other family members. He was always innovative in the lengths he would go to give himself a good laugh. As a dedicated husband, he became Patricia’s primary caregiver for six years prior to her passing away. The hole that her passing left was felt deeply and could not be filled. Patricia will now have her husband by her side to disrupt her eternal peace and quiet. The dentist with a notorious sweet tooth, Dr. Castritsis will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born April 14, 1932, in Chicago to the late Emanual Castritsis and to the late Bessie Castritsis (nee Michelakis), he was the beloved husband of 55 years of the late Patricia Castritsis (nee Pappas). Cherished father of Stephanie (John) Zwirowski, Peter Castritsis, and Valerie Castritsis; adored grandfather of Sydney (Anthony) Bellafiore and Zachary Zwirowski; dear brother of the late Pauline/Cally (Nicholas) Nickolas, the late George (Florine) Castritsis, and the late James Castritsis; and adored uncle of numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL. Funeral Service Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2350 East Dempster Street, Des Plaines. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove, IL. For more information, please call (847) 824-5155.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericordia Heart of Mercy (Misericordia.com) for waitlisted Zachary Zwirowski would be appreciated.