Peter "Pete" Paul Choukalas

PETER “PETE” PAUL CHOUKALAS, age 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Christine Choukalas (nee Biafore), dear father of Elaine Johnson (Bob), Cathy Strauss and Ted Choukalas (Maria). Loving grandfather of Laura and Bobby Johnson, Max and Isabelle Strauss, Tressa, Sophie and Nick Choukalas. Dear Uncle of Johnny Gabella (Karyn) and Joey Gabella (Kara). Brother of Anna Krokos (deceased) (Ross, deceased), Dorothy Gekas (deceased) (Mike, deceased), Diana Choukalas and Christine Paparizos (Mike). He was predeceased by his parents Helen and Theodore Choukalas. Pete worked for Chrysler Corporation for 30 years. One of Pete’s greatest loves was baseball. As a young boy, he played at League Park. He attended Benedictine High School on a baseball scholarship, batting a .620 in his senior year. At 15, he was offered a contract from the St. Louis Cardinals. However, his father’s wish was for him to continue his high school education.  After graduation he was offered a contract from the Boston Red Sox to play in their minor league system. In 1952 he was drafted into the Army where he played baseball throughout Europe to entertain the troops. He was known for drawing a crowd with his skills. He also loved the opera and he loved to cook. Pete was a loving and generous man, always willing to give you the shirt off his back and always there when you needed him. He had a natural, effortless sense of humor that never failed to make people laugh. His greatest joy was being surrounded by his family, and he will be missed dearly by all who knew him. All Services at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 4548 Wallings Rd., North Royalton, Thursday June 13, 2024 at 11 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends received in Church Thursday 10:30- 11 a.m. and at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), WEDNESDAY 4-8 P.M. with a Trisagion Service at 6 p.m.