Peter P. Charkalis, Jr., 84, a longtime Fishkill resident who was born and raised in Beacon, died Friday, September 5, 2014 in Poughkeepsie.
Son of the late Peter Charkalis Sr. and Sally Katsiris Charkalis, he was born November 1, 1929. He was married August 21, 1955 to the love of his life, Mary Labrinos, in Garrison, NY.
He was a graduate of Beacon High School, and he was the co-owner of the Alps Sweet Shops in Beacon and Fishkill for many years. The enterprise was started by his father in 1921 as a luncheonette and gradually evolved into the Hudson Valley's premiere chocolate shop. He and his wife took over the business in 1967 and they retired in 1995. He was known for his gracious demeanor, welcoming smile and the gleam in his eye. He charmed his customers as well as his employees and made them all feel special.
The Sweet Shops remain in the family and are currently operated by his daughter, Sally, and her husband, Terry Craft. Mr. Charkalis was a member of Retail Confections International and a Master Chocolatier.
He had a deep love for family and friends first, with the New York Rangers coming in a close second. He also cheered on the New York Giants. He shared his love of golf and cards with those close to him and never missed a Tuesday lunch at the diner with the guys. He had a keen interest in current events and enjoyed reading his New York Times every morning.
A resident of Fishkill since 1959, he was active in his community and served on the Town of Fishkill Planning Board. He was a Mason and belonged to Beacon Lodge No. 283. He was a devout member of the Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church in Poughkeepsie, where he served as president of the parish council. He was also a member of the A.H.E.P.A. fraternal organization.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, of Fishkill; his daughter, Sally Craft of Walden, NY and her husband, Terry Craft; his son, Peter A. Charkalis of Los Angeles and his wife, Diana McKeon Charkalis; his brother, James Charkalis of Poughkeepsie; his sister, Georgia Charkalis of Houston, TX; his grandson, Peter Manning Charkalis of Los Angeles; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. at Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church in Poughkeepsie. Rev. Gregory Patsis will officiate. Calling hours will be Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main St., Fishkill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church, 140 S. Grand Ave., Poughkeepsie, 12603 and Mobile Life Ambulance Service, Fishkill. For driving directions, online condolences and memorial donations, please visit Peter's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.