Peter J Ales

Peter Ales was born in the spring of 1926 in Billings Montana to Greek immigrants John and Theodora Alevizakes. Peter went to Greece at the age of 9 with his mother and brother Ernie. Peter's early years were filled with adversity. In Greece he was raised by his Grandparents, Luke and Maria Yiatayana . Peter attended school in Athens until the Italians invaded Greece, bringing World War II to Greece's doorstep, trapping him there for the duration of the war. Peter was involved with the Greek resistance fighting Germans and helping the Allies. This helped form his passion for democracy and freedom. He would serve his country in one form or another, whether in the military, foreign service, federal and state offices, or as an elected official in NARFE for the rest of his life.

Peter returned to America at the age of 18. He enlisted in the Army where he was a member of the 93rd airborne and earned the Army of Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was Honorably Discharged from the army and later joined the USAF where he served in Okinawa.

He returned to Montana where he resumed his education and received his bachelor's degree. He went on to George Washington University and there was recruited by the US Foreign Service. During this time he served in Yugoslavia, India, Iran, Brazil, Jamaica, Greece and Washington D.C.

He wed Katina Melonas in 1962 and they went to Brazil where they worked for 1 year before returning to Washington D.C. Peter worked in Washington D.C. serving his country for the next 5 years before making his home in Seattle Washington. After moving to Seattle Peter worked for both the Federal and State governments. After his retirement in the 80's he continued to support his belief in democracy by enthusiastically supporting and working on various political campaigns. Peter actively participated in the Democratic Party throughout his lifetime. He taught classes in Civics in a local High School. Peter believed very strongly in, and had a strong passion to teach our youth about government and Civil Service.

Peter then went on to work for NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) as a regional Vice President for the Western United States. He served for 10 years advocating for Federal retirees and their benefits.

In addition to Peter's work for the government he was active in the Greek community and was a member of the Order of Ahepa and a member of the St. Demetrios community. Peter was also active in the early years of Group Health.

Peter loved to read and was an avid Opera lover. He was strong willed and outspoken but was well respected by his peers. The only thing he loved more than his government and his Greek heritage was his family. In his later years, his world revolved around his family, especially his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Theodora Alevizakes, his brother Ernie Ales and mother in law Maria Melonas. He is survived by his loving wife Katherine, his children John Ales (Margaret), Maria Ales Rain-Water(Trevor) and his grandchildren, Ian, Alexis, Peter and Eileen.

We would like to thank his many caregivers especially Mulatua who has helped Peter with kindness for many years. We also would like to give special thanks to Trevor for his endless hours of care and friendship to Peter. Peter will be greatly missed and his memory will be forever beloved by his family and friends.