Laconia-----Peter S. Karagianis, a former New Hampshire State Representative, died peacefully on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at his home. He lived in Laconia, N.H. for 71 years.
Peter was born June 25, 1916 in Somerville, MA, son to the late Soterios and Maria (Vinios) Karagianis. He grew up in the Central Square area of Cambridge. Peter graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and took Harvard University extension classes at night. He came to Laconia in 1945, where he owned and operated the Laconia Spa. In addition, he started at age 68, Happy Jack’s Cigar, Pipe & Tobacco Shop in Laconia and worked until he retired at age 95. He was a New Hampshire State Representative for four terms, He served as a Laconia City Councilor; was chair of the Belknap County Convention.
Karagianis made countless community contributions over the years and was often celebrated for his achievements in the local media. He worked tirelessly to preserve the clean waters of central New Hampshire’s lakes Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam, after years of raw sewage was dumped into the lakes. He also championed the effort to save Laconia’s Belknap Mills from the wrecking ball; serving as the "Save the Mill Societies" 1st president from 1971 to 1978. He put Laconia’s Greek Orthodox Church on solid financial footing; Serving as president from 1986 to 2002. Peter was a dedicated member of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president in the 1950's, and worked to enhanced Laconia's Motorcycle Week. In 1985 he was dubbed "Mr. Laconia" by Edwin Chertok the then president of the Laconia Chamber of Commerce.
Peter was also a 70 year member of the Laconia Kiwanis Club, where in the 1950's he lead the Laconia HS Key Club as a councilor. He was a Mason for over 70 years, and in 1975 he was honored as a "33rd" degree mason.
His family was from the small mountainside village of Georgitsi, 20 miles west of Sparta, Greece. which is located in the New England-like province of Laconia. What he loved most was to go out to dinner or breakfast with his 3 grand children, Nicole, Evan and Christian.
Peter is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Lydia Ann Karagianis of Laconia, his son S. Peter Karagianis and his wife, Jane of Gilford; three grandchildren, Nicole, Evan and Christian Karagianis all of Gilford. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his daughter, Anthie Karagianis-Jones and Four brothers, Perry, John, Fred and Greg Karagianis.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016 from 3pm-6pm at the Beane Conference Center, 35 Blueberry Lane, Laconia, NH 03246.
A Funeral service will be celebrated on Monday, May 23, 2016 at 11am at Taxiarchai Greek Orthodox Church, 811 North Main Street, Laconia, NH.
Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Laconia.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Peter's Memory to Taxiarchai Greek Orthodox Church, 811 North Main Street, Laconia, NH. 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.