Passing of Father Peter A. Atsales - Obituary inclosed
Fr Alexandros D. Petrides
May his memory be eternal.
Obituary:
The Very Reverend Father Peter A Atsales, 93, of Naples, Florida, peacefully fell asleep in the Lord on July 9, 2025, joining his wife, Presvytera Loukia (Elias) Atsales, parents, and siblings. Father Peter was born on February 22, 1932 in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Arthur and Poleteme (Poulos) Atsales.
He became an altar boy at the Boston Cathedral, becoming inspired to enter the seminary by his priest, who later became Archbishop Iakovos. Father Peter graduated from English High School in Boston before entering Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline to begin his service to the Church. He graduated from the Seminary in 1954 and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on November 25, 1954 by His Eminence Archbishop Michael.
Father Peter also earned a BA in psychology at UConn, a Masters of Theology at the Princeton University School of Theology, and was a guest lecturer in Church History. Father Peter faithfully served the Orthodox Church for seventy-one years, impacting countless lives through his ministry at Holy Trinity in Waterbury, Connecticut (1954-1958), Holy Trinity in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (1958 -1967), St. George in Trenton, New Jersey (1967-1984), St. George in Springfield, Massachusetts (1984 - 1990), St. Andrew in Kendall, Florida (1990 - 1997), and in retirement at St. Katherine in Naples, Florida (1997-2025) where he continued to be active. Under his guidance, churches were built in both Harrisburg and Trenton, and a chapel was built in Springfield.
While in New Jersey, Father Peter was instrumental in developing “Junior Olympics Weekend” and “Sights and Sounds,” GOYA events now celebrated in parishes across the country. Father Peter was a guiding light, a spiritual father, and a dear friend to all who knew him. He was known for his work with youth, his wisdom, kindness, generosity, and spiritual guidance. Father Peter constantly prioritized the spiritual well-being of his parishioners, ensuring a balance of worship, learning, community-building, and service within his parish.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Father Peter was a devoted husband and cherished father, uncle and grandfather. He is survived by his children, Athan Atsales and his wife Diane and Paulette Atsales Hood, and his grandchildren, Kia Atsales and her husband Alexander and Paige Hood.
A Viewing will be held at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Naples, Florida on Monday, July 14th 5- 7 p.m. with a Trisagion at 6 p.m.
On Tuesday, July 15th there will be a Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. The Internment will be at Palm Royale in Naples and the Mercy meal will follow at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church parish hall. To send notes of sympathy and comfort to Father Peter’s family please visit his tribute page at www.fullernaples.com
May his memory be eternal!