Panagiotis Michael Hirras' Obituary
Panagiotis Hirras passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 in Covington, LA. He was born on June 22, 1937 in Klima, Skopelos, Greece to the late Michael Hirras and Alexandra Koukorines Hirras.
Panagiotis was married to his beloved wife, Efterpi Hirras, for 49 years. He was the loving father of Alexandra Hirras Megilligan (Danny) and Michael Pete Hirras. Panagiotis was the proud grandfather of Anastasia Megilligan and George Daniel Megilligan. He was the brother of John Hirras of Skopelos, Greece, Maxi Brintziolakis of Industry, PA, Georgia Salpademou of Skopelos, Greece, the late Maria Asteriou of Thessalonika, Greece, Nick Hirras of Gulf Breeze, FL, and Stamatios Hirras of Birmingham, AL.
Panagiotis “Pete” was a loving, caring and devoted man to his family. He was a faithful servant to God and loved life to the fullest. As a young adult he was able to travel the world with the Greek Navy and the Merchant Marines which allowed him the rich knowledge of culture and traditions of many to share with his family for years to come. Upon settling in the United States, he started a contracting business with his brother in Alabama, where he met his wife Efterpi. To their surprise, they learned that both were from the same Greek Island, born in the same village and their mothers were childhood friends. From there, their friendship grew. After marrying, they moved to Slidell, La. where Pete was owner operator of Pete’s Family Restaurant (Union 76 Truck Stop Plaza) for 25 years. He embraced the restaurant business like no other. He had a customer base that filled the dining room every day for his homemade specials and friendly staff. Upon his retirement he focused his time on family, fishing and his love for gardening and caring for his many fruit orchards. A few years later his orchards became second fiddle to the birth of his grandchildren whom he adored. In true Greek fashion, he made sure they attended Greek and Sunday school faithfully. Panagiotis was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New Orleans La. Along with many faithful servants his hard work and dedication to the church afforded the rebuilding of the Cathedral to where it stands today. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, family friends and his Greek culture matched no other. He stressed the importance of faith, family and friendships and lived his life accordingly. May his memory be eternal.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Funeral Service at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 3:00 PM with visitation from 1:30 PM until service time. Interment will follow the service at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, Covington, LA. Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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