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Peter J. Contakos

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | July 06, 2025

Peter J. Contakos, age 83, of McKeesport, died peacefully at his home on July 3, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. Born November 3, 1941, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late James N. and Catherine (Jevis) Contakos and husband of the late Lisa Contakos. Peter is survived by his children, Eric (Jenny) Contakos, of Pittsburgh, Jim (Christina) Contakos, of South Park, Chris (Sarah) Contakos, of Greenwood, SC, and Kate (Chris Mera) Contakos, of New York, NY; grandchildren, Sly Mera-Contakos, Nika Contakos, and Mathew Puckey (Rebecca) and family; nephews, Greg Haretos, James Contakos, and Will Green; nieces, Stephanie Shoemaker and Melissa Dersham; great-nieces, Charlea and Chloe Yonan; great-nephews, Carson and Tyron Shoemaker; sisters-in-law, Judi (Chuck) Dersham, Kim (Dennis) Seidel, Stacy (Doug) Green, and Shelly Johnson. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by siblings, Stephanie Ellerman and Nicholas Contakos. A life beginning in the streams of Pennsylvania and travelling around the world, Peter fished from Alaska to Patagonia, from the Snake River in Montana to the Everglades in Florida. He was an outdoorsman extraordinaire, a lover of nature and an appreciator of the great circle of life that we're all part of. Whether hunting or fishing in Alberta, Colorado, or Montana he always paid respect to the people and the animals that made his life so rich. He rubbed elbows with grizzlies and wrestled with fish big and small, always aware of his place in nature and the balance he brought to it. He always honored the people he met and the places he went. It is hard to find any soul that encountered Peter that didn't walk away with something. He gave something to everyone, whether it was advice, money, something that he won at the casino..and he hated no one. He was generous in many ways but most importantly with his time. He took the time to care for the people who needed it and the people he loved.

For all of his travels, Peter's heart never really left McKeesport. When he wasn't at Tube City, you could find him at many local spots, including Mckeesport Tigers Football games, not only for casual entertainment, but because him being there meant he was supporting the people of McKeesport. He didn't just go and sit. He watched to know the players so that he could follow them on their journeys, so he could continue to support them as they grew, the way he supported McKeesport his whole life. Tube City Beer Distributor is a McKeesport institution, serving the community for almost 100 years and Peter began working there, supporting the family business, when he was just a young man. For over 70 yrs he walked through the doors of the beer store - rain or shine, sleet or snow - to do a service for the city of McKeesport and for his family. He not only sold beer, but he gave people jobs and a livelihood ... He gave people opportunities and purpose. Tube City was a cornerstone of our family - always a place for family and friends to meet and catch up. Among the many people and characters you'll find there, you could always find Pete, smiling, joking, worrying, or telling someone to stock the cooler. For all of his many loves - judo, sports, fishing, hunting, the true love of his life, his rock, his soul mate, the supporter of all, his wife Lisa was his everything. No one loved his wife like Pete loves Lisa...a statement many people have said but a truth that Pete lived. They loved spending their winters at their house in Florida, and attending every Pittsburgh sports event from hockey to baseball to football. Steelers season ticket holders for 50 years, Pete was proud of attending 6 Super Bowls. In their over 40 years together, they never had a fight. Two tough kids from McKeesport who loved each other like teenagers is a beautiful lesson for us all. They were cute and cuddly and tender to one another and now they are happily reunited in perpetuity, laughing with one another and joking - and at the end of the night, Lisa teasing him about sneaking out to go to his 'office' aka the casino because Pete was always one of the luckiest people around. A continued supporter for many local charities and businesses whether it be Toys for Tots or Healing Waters, he wanted to give to everyone. He was a dedicated member of the NRA, a mason for 50 years, and a second degree black belt in Judo - not to mention, successfully clean and sober for 38 years, serving as an inspirational sponsor to dozens. If you've ever met Pete these things don't need to be said but he was cut from a cloth of the utmost integrity. He was honest, fair, kind, funny, smart, and a crack shot with any firearm - they don't make them like him anymore. Referred to by many monikers such as Pete, Petey, Peteymou, Pete from the Street, Uncle Pete, Cousin Pete, Dad, Daddy, and most affectionately, Papou -- he will be terribly missed by all. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. The Masonic Service will begin at 6 p.m on Wednesday. There will be an additional viewing at the Annunciation of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church on Thursday at 10 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m. Everyone is asked to please meet at the church. The entombment will follow at The McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to be sent to McKeesport Tigers Football Boosters.

Originally published July 06, 2025.

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