Pete Panagiotis John Keffalas

Pete Panagiotis John Keffalas, 87, of Butler, PA, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at Butler Memorial Hospital. He was born Wednesday, October 20, 1920 in Butler, PA, the son of the late John Leondis Keffalas and the late Katherine Lemos Keffalas. He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in New Castle. He graduated in 1939 from Butler High School and from Penn State University in 1944 with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Ohio State University in 1945 where he terminated government war contracts at the conclusion of WWII. On April 28, 1946, he married Elizabeth Vasilion in Dayton, OH. He was discharged from the Army in 1947. He worked with his father in 1956 and upon his death took over John L. Keffalas Painting Contractors who were independent contractors for Armco. In 1971, he started Pete J. Keffalas, Inc. a rental property business which he operated until his death. He was a circus enthusiast and had built many scale model circus wagons and in the late 1960's owned and operated a zoo called Circustown USA in Butler. He also hand carved a life size Popeye figurine. He truly was an entrepreneur his entire life. He was a life time member of the Penn State Alumni Association, AARP, the Republican National Committee, the American Legion in Lyndora, VFW #249, Moose Lodge #64, a long time member of the Butler Stamp Club and a member of the Boy Scouts of America where he served on the executive?council and camping committee. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Vasilion Keffalas; 3 sons, John P. and Mary D. Keffalas, William P. Keffalas and Alexander P. and Shelly Keffalas all of Butler; 3 grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew & Lexi Keffalas all of Butler; 2 sisters, Evelyn J. and Alberta J. Keffalas both of Apple Valley, CA; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Elias J., Spero J., and Petros J. Keffalas and 2 sisters, Alice J. Penar and Dorothy J. Gregory. Friends will be received from 4-7 with a memorial service at 7pm, Sunday, June 22 at the Young Funeral Home, Ltd., 127 W. Jefferson St., Butler, PA. Funeral services will be held at St. Andrew's Orthodox Church, 201 Penn Ave., Lyndora on Monday, June 23, 2008 at 10AM with Rev. Joseph Wargo officiating. Interment in the North Side Cemetery. Military honors by VFW Post 249 and American Legion #117. Contributions may be made to the Butler Area Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler, PA 16001.

Pete Panagiotis John Keffalas

October 20, 1920 - June 18, 2008