Edward S. Petros

Edward S. Petros, 90, Alexandria, Virginia was born in Roumieh Lebanon on March 15,1926 to his late American naturalized parents Sam and Zane Petros. At the age of 15 Ed was recruited by the British and Australian Army. In 1944 President Theodore Roosevelt authorized General "Wild Bill" Donovan to search for a specific confidant to serve in the OSS Intelligence Division in the Middle East. Ed was chosen on three points: American Citizenship, an intimate knowledge of the Middle East, and being fluent in five language/dialects. He served valiantly within the OSS as a field operative gathering information to help with the war efforts. Days before his passing Ed learned the US Congress had just passed a vote to award the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor to Members of the OSS in 2017.

Ed met his wife, Marie Williams in Washington DC and together had two daughters, Denise and Pixie. Ed was also proud to be the mentor and guardian of his nephew Sam Petros whom he loved dearly.

Ed was the landlord for the Women in the Military Service Organization, Gold Star Wives, the Phoenicia Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia.

Ed was instrumental in helping Ret. Brig General Wilma Vaught establish and maintain the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. The Women's Memorial has proudly stood at the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery for the past 19 years.

As a founding members of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and ALSAC, Ed and Marie,continued to unselfishly devote their lives to fulfilling his friend comedian Danny Thomas' dream: "No child should die in the dawn of his life."

Edward was passionate about his family, his life work and his country. He died peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at home. Edward is survived by his children and their spouses: Denise and Bernie Hains( GA), Pixie Monroe (CA), Sam and Donna Petros (VA), Michelle Hains (GA), Karen and Tim Huff, (NC), Renee Hains (NC), Jason and Lacey Monroe, (AR), Christopher Monroe, (CA), Tammy and Gabriel Wilson, (VA) Heidi and Richard Danhoff (OH), Lt. Col. Tony Petros, US Army and Tricia along with numerous great grandchildren and many beloved friends and family members.

The visitation will be held on Monday, December 12th 4-8 PM at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, Virginia 22151 Funeral services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, TBD.

Arrangements under the direction of Demaine Funeral Home, Springfield, VA.