Peter Charles Perialas Sr.

Peter Charles Perialas Sr., 85, most recently a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on November 27, 2023. Pete was a dedicated teacher and coach for over 43 years, influencing and shaping the lives of thousands of students and athletes throughout his career. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Erma Perialas, and his sister, Judith Ann Draper. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Carolyn Fine Perialas; his three children, Pete Perialas Jr. and spouse Melissa Hamilton, Jim Perialas and spouse Sebrina Perialas, and Leigh-Anne Lees and spouse Jeff Lees. Pete is also survived by his five grandchildren, Erin Eliason and spouse Brad Eliason, Julianah Perialas, Evan Lees, Gillian Lees, Nathan Lees and great-grandson, Ronan Eliason, who recently turned two years old and celebrated Pete’s 85th birthday with him on November 9th. Nephews and nieces also survive him. Pete was born on November 9, 1938, in Cortland, New York. He grew up surrounded by his extended family (the Boyle family) and exhibited a strong love of sports from an early age. It was during these early years that Pete became a Philadelphia Phillies fan, listening to their games on the radio and following them closely in his local papers. His family relocated to Wilmington, Delaware in his late middle school years, where he attended Mt. Pleasant and met his future wife of 65 years (Carolyn Fine). Pete was a three-sport varsity athlete (football, basketball, baseball) at Mt. Pleasant and had the great privilege of playing varsity basketball for future Hall of Fame coach, Jack Ramsey. It was Dr. Jack Ramsey who influenced Pete to become a coach and teacher. After graduating from Mt. Pleasant, Pete attended Bloomsburg State Teachers College, where he played basketball and baseball and received his Bachelor's Degree in history. Pete’s first job was at Cumberland Valley High School in Pennyslvania. He then returned to Delaware to teach and coach at Wm. Penn High School while earning his Master’s Degree in education from the University of Delaware. Pete then joined the faculty at The Tatnall School, where he taught history and coached basketball and baseball until retiring in 2004. His students and players were a source of great pride and joy to him throughout his life. Although Pete was a successful athlete and coach, he enjoyed several other activities and hobbies including reading, traveling extensively with Carolyn, taking long walks with his children and grandchildren, listening to music, working crossword puzzles, gardening, creating photo albums and sketching. He made a great meatloaf, went through a major bread-baking phase, always enjoyed cooking out on a grill and would do anything possible to avoid sitting at a red light while driving. His biggest joy in life was spending time with his family, especially for birthdays and holidays. He and Carolyn hosted a yearly Christmas Eve gathering that became “the place to be” for great food and celebration with dear friends and family. Pete battled Alzheimer's in the last years of his life. Carolyn lovingly cared for him at home for most of that time. In the final months of his life, he was cared for by the wonderful staff at The Lorelton, who called him “Mr. Pete”, treated him like royalty, and enjoyed his ornery personality immensely. He will be remembered for his wit, keen intellect, and high ideals. Pete’s family will host a Celebration of Life Open House on January 20, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Timothy's Riverfront Grill, 930 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) at vpas.info, by mail to VPAS at 325 Pine Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980 or to the charity of your choice in Pete’s honor. To send an online condolence please visit www.stranofeeley.com Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home 302-731-5459

Peter Charles Perialas Sr.

November 9, 1938 - November 27, 2023

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