In Memory

Peter J Tripodes - Class Of 1960

Peter J Tripodes

Peter J Tripodes, 77, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2019. He was born April 4, 1942 to Jack and Mary Tripodes in Cleveland, Ohio. He joined his sister Virginia and 14 years later was joined by his brother Nikitas.

Peter's family moved from Ohio to California in 1946. His father, along with his uncles, drove their families out west in a three-car caravan. His family first settled in Monterey Park before moving one last time to South Pasadena. The same year they moved to California, Peter's father and uncles bought a restaurant in South Pasadena that they renamed Gus's BBQ. Peter began working at the family restaurant at the age of 13 in 1955. While working, Peter continued his studies and he graduated from South Pasadena High School and Pasadena City College before he earned a business degree from California State University, Los Angeles.

Peter eventually became the co-owner of Gus's along with his brother-in-law, Dino Lappas. He was active both in the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and city affairs. After more than 50 years of working the restaurant, Peter retired in 2007.

Peter treasured the time he spent with his friends and family. Whether it was cruises, weekend casino trips, card games, plays, movie nights, or Saturday brunches, Peter had an active life and made many wonderful memories with the people who loved him.

Peter was predeceased by his parents and brother, Nikitas Tripodes '73. He is survived by his sister, Virginia Tripodes Lappas '57; sister-in-law Dena Tripodes; and generations of nieces and nephews including Zacharias Tripodes '09, Marika Tripodes '11, and Georgia Tripodes '11.

South Pasadena Review, September 19, 2019 



 
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09/26/19 06:42 PM #1    

Steve Ledder (1960)

Pete was my classmate thru Junior and Senior High in South Pasadena. Pete scored very high on the likeability scale.


09/27/19 11:52 AM #2    

Gregory R Gerhart (1960)

Peter was a kind gentle person.  History goes back to Jr High days when my mother used to take my sister and I to Gus's for dinner from time to time.  My mother and Peter's mother Mary, who waited tables, were friends and would chat a bit.  Mary would always present me with the check as if I was taking my mother out for a date.  Cute...

In reunion years, Peter was active in reunion activities.  I recall he donated the Gus's premises, which was being remodeled after the earthquake, for our main event.  Peter was very generous in most all things including compensating beers at the bar and free 8-ball pool, lol.

RIP Pete!

 


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