Peter John Velisaris, 77, of Bethel Park, died peacefully, Sunday, January 29, 2017, after a courageous hard fought battle with ALS.

He was born May 13, 1939, in Vlahokerasia, Greece, a son of John and Eleni Haritos Velisaris. He immigrated from Greece at the age of 16, and worked in various restaurants.

Pete and his brothers owned and operated Ritter's Diner since 1966. He had a very strong work ethic and lived by his motto "Input equals Output".

He was an active member of All Saint's Greek Orthodox Church, and with the Manthyrea Educational Society. He enjoyed cooking, was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, and loved gardening, especially lemon trees, which he was known for starting and distributing to family and friends. Pete also had a strong interest in politics, history, and economics.

He will be remembered for the interest he took in people, his guidance and his advice. He was passionate with all he did, both professionally, loving his career and his customers, and as a family man. He was a dedicated and proud husband, father, and grandfather. His children and grandchildren were the joy of his life.

On October 22, 1972, he married his loving wife of over 44 years, Katherine "Katina" Karafilis Velisaris, who survives.

Also surviving are his son, John Peter Velisaris, and his wife Stella, of Bethel Park; daughter, Kristen Eliopoulos, and her husband John, of Bethel Park; brothers, George (Beba) Velisaris of Canonsburg, Art (Tina) Velisaris of Whitehall, and Perry (Tulla) Velisaris, of Dormont; seven grandchildren, Katerina, Angelina, Peter and Arianna Velisaris, William, Peter, and Chris Eliopoulos, many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kosta Velisaris, his sister, Stamata Zeppos, and his niece, Elaine Mannina.

Friends will be received Wednesday 2-8pm, in the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 601, W. McMurray Rd., Canonsburg, PA, 15317. Trisagion services Wednesday at 7pm. Additional visitation Thursday, from 10-11am. Funeral services Thursday at 11am, in the church, with Father George L. Livanos, officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg.

Arrangements entrusted to Sollon Funeral Home, Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, Phillip L. Sollon, director, 724-746-1000.

The family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Outreach Program; and livelikelou.org, a fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation for ALS research.

Please visit www.sollon.com to leave online condolences.

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