Peter George Bissias, 76, passed away on May 1, 2025, in Harpswell, Maine. Born on December 28, 1948, in Thessaloniki, Greece, the son of George Bissias of Poros and Maria (Mutautsis) Bissias of Halkidiki Greece. Peter lived a life marked by dedication to family, community, and the traditions of his Greek heritage.
Peter's early years were shaped by the beauty of northern Greece. He spent his summers by the sea in Vourvourou, Halkidiki near his mother's village Saint Nikolaos where he developed a lifelong love for the ocean. As a young man in Thessaloniki, he was an accomplished athlete and proud award winning member of The Sailing and Rowing Club of Thessaloniki. His passion for dance led him to tour Europe with a professional Greek dancing group, showcasing the vibrant culture of his homeland.
Before immigrating to the United States, Peter served as a lieutenant in the Greek Army. He was stationed near Constantinople (Istanbul), where he was entrusted with securing the Greek-Turkish border and distinguished himself as an honor guard (evzone), a role reserved for those demonstrating exceptional discipline and pride in service.
In 1972, Peter arrived in Lowell, Massachusetts. Embraced by the local Greek community, he quickly found both friendship and love. At a church-sponsored Greek dance at the Spear House in Lowell, he met Constance "Connie" Freitas. They married in 1975 and soon after made their home in Brunswick, Maine.
Peter's entrepreneurial spirit flourished in his new country. In 1978, he opened his first restaurant-Brunswick House of Pizza-which became a beloved local establishment. He went on to open Brothers Pizza and later Bath House of Pizza, each reflecting his commitment to quality food and warm hospitality. His final business venture was the Riverside Sport Pub, which he managed for 15 years until his retirement. This endeavor brought him great joy and allowed him to connect with countless members of the community.
Beyond business, Peter was deeply involved in civic life. He was a former member of the Bath Rotary Club and played an active role in public safety efforts through coordination with Explorer Search & Rescue and Lower Kennebec Wet River Rescue teams.
Peter cherished time outdoors. His most memorable trip was canoeing the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in Northern Maine. An avid hunter and fisherman, he spent every fall immersed in the Maine woods alongside his close-knit group of Greek hunting friends. These annual trips were treasured traditions that reflected his deep appreciation for nature and camaraderie.
Above all else, Peter loved his family deeply. He loved cheering on his boys at their soccer and basketball events in HS and college. And so proud of them as the fine accomplished adult young men they became with families of their own. He praised his wife's greek cooking and loved her food.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of 50 years, Constance "Connie" Freitas Bissias of Harpswell; two sons whom he was immensely proud of: George P Bissias (Kim) of Bedford, Massachusetts; and Alexander P Bissias (Elise) of Dedham, Massachusetts; and four beloved grandchildren: Pete-his namesake-Luke, Lily, and Jack Bissias.
He is also remembered by his sister Joanne Bissias and her husband John Ampelourgos of Thessaloniki, Greece; Brother-in-laws John Freitas and Daniel Freitas; sister-in-law Kathy Freitas; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews-and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Peter George Bissias lived with passion-for his heritage, for hard work done well, for nature's beauty-and most importantly for those he loved. His legacy will live on through the family he nurtured and the communities he helped build.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. A Calling hours will be held on May 7, 2025, from 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852. A Funeral Service will be held on May 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 25 Father John Sarantos Way, Lowell, MA 01854.
The family asks you to please consider memorial donations in his name to The Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church of Lowell at:
Online Donation for Transfiguration Lowell
Or
The Children’s Room of Arlington at:
Online Donation for Children's Room of Arlington