Peter Stamos
ANSONIA — Peter Stamos was fondly remembered Monday (March 21) as a pillar of the community known for his kind smile, gentle soul, and his ability to make a difference in the lives of countless Ansonia students.
Stamos, a longtime resident and Ansonia educator, passed away March 19 at age 96.
One of Stamos’ four children, Greg Stamos, a longtime Valley attorney, was in awe of the outpouring of tributes his family has received since his father’s passing over the weekend.
“For a poor son of Greek immigrants, dad really did reach the American Dream,” Stamos said. “He fought for his country, became an educator, truly cared about his students, loved traveling and was truly the epicenter of a hugely extended family; that summarizes dad.”
Even when his dad had health challenges, Stamos said he never turned down his son’s offer to go for a ride to grab a hot dog, catch a ballgame or just simply take a drive.
“His desire to be around people is what really gave him a great, long life,” Stamos said. “The last couple of months have been very challenging for dad and the family, and we’re gratified that God is giving him peace now.”
One of Stamos’ former students, Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti, recalled having Stamos as his principal at the former Lincoln-Hayes School. Cassetti described Stamos as a mentor.
“I had a troubled past and Peter took me under his wing when I was in 7th and 8th grade,” Cassetti said. “He could’ve just thrown me into his office, put me in a corner with a dunce cap on, but he wasn’t like that. He talked to me and reasoned with me. I remember one time I had a problem in the classroom and I stormed out. Instead of disciplining me, Peter took me for a long walk down Cottage Avenue, up Beaver Street and back, and just talked to me. He instilled good values in me and was a wonderful man. He wasn’t your ordinary principal, and I was proud to call him my mentor and friend.”
Cassetti said Stamos helped him land his first job at age 14 as a custodian in the summer where he helped spruce up the schools in time for a new school year.
“He watched out for me, and for that I will be forever grateful,” Cassetti said. “He was a pillar of the community and his legacy will live on forever.”
Stamos, a World War II Army Veteran, worked for more than 40 years as a teacher at the former Peck School and later principal of Lincoln-Hayes. He was quite active outside the classroom, as well, serving as vice-president of the Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club President and president of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Ansonia.
Longtime family friend and Valley attorney John Sponheimer recalled Stamos’ uncanny ability to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
“He was such a genuine, true friend and would always look to help anyone in need,” Sponheimer said. “He was so well respected by his peers, in every aspect of his life. He was also a great man to travel with, especially when we attended many Final Four games together (to watch his beloved UCONN Huskies). He had a wonderful life and raised a wonderful family.”
Well after retirement from the Ansonia schools, Stamos continued to hone his love of teaching into his 80s, becoming a teacher with Valley Adult Education. Stamos’ years of service helping adults earn their high school equivalency degrees was honored through a scholarship created in his name.
Stamos’ children (Greg, Lisa, Paris and Paul) honored their father’s lifelong love of reading last year when they established an endowment fund in his name through the Valley Community Foundation to benefit one of his favorite haunts, the Ansonia Public Library. Even during the pandemic, when the library was temporarily shuttered to patrons, Stamos took advantage of the library’s curbside service to continue reading his favorite spy thrillers and murder mysteries. Click here for a previous Valley Indy story.
Former longtime Children’s Librarian Janet Fitol posted a Facebook comment about Stamos’ passing, saying: “Beyond a fine man. Taught me so many life lessons as a principal at Lincoln School and during his weekly visits to our library. He will definitely be missed …“
Sharon Closius, the president and CEO of The Valley Community Foundation, said Stamos was the embodiment of Valley values.
“As a popular educator, father, and proud member of the Greek- American community, I truly believe he has enriched the lives of countless people. Sometimes a person comes along and makes a difference in the life of a person or even the community, but Peter Stamos did that and more,” Closius said. “He leaves an enduring legacy, literally. I’ve had the pleasure of working with his children and grandchildren and can say the lessons in life that Peter and his beloved Mary shared through words and actions with their family, gave us three generations, and counting, of caring and loving people.“
Former state Rep. Linda Gentile said Stamos was a true gentleman.
“My husband, John, worked for Peter at Lincoln School in Ansonia when he first started teaching. Later on, Peter became a good friend. Always with a quick smile and kind words whenever you ran in to him around the Valley. During my time in office, whenever he saw me at an event, he would always have words of encouragement and praise for my efforts. He was a loving family man. He will truly be missed.”
The family asks if anyone wants to make a contribution to the VCF fund, they can do so online by clicking this link.
Friends may pay their final respects during visiting hours at Saint Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road, Orange, Connecticut, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, followed by a funeral in the Greek Orthodox faith. The family invites all to please join them for a luncheon at St. Barbara’s Church Hall immediately following the service. Burial will be private. Click here for the complete obituary.
