Peter Spiro Vatsures' Obituary
Peter Spiro Vatsures (88) passed away at his home on Monday, April 15, 2019. He was born on July 26, 1930, in Dallas, Texas and was the third of four children born to Spiro and Helen Vatsures, who immigrated to the United States from Greece. Peter graduated from Forest Avenue High School and went on to receive a BS degree in Art at Southern Methodist University in 1952. After a short volunteer tour of active duty in the U.S. Army, he moved to New York City to begin his life-long pursuit of artistic expression. Peter sold several cartoons to the Saturday Evening Post Magazine when he first arrived in New York, but he longed for his Texas roots and soon returned to Dallas to work as the fashion-art advertising designer for Neiman Marcus. After working at Neiman Marcus for a few years, Peter’s greatest career achievement came when he was named Creative Director for The Drawing Board, a powerhouse innovator and publisher of business forms, greeting cards and other stationary products. He then became Creative Vice-President of the company and remained there for over 40 years, even through the company’s 1980 merger with Pitney Bowes. In retirement, Peter built an art studio in East Texas where he resumed his love of painting. He later began recording original upbeat arrangements of classic ballads and songs, playing the piano while a small musical group backed him up. His music career also included writing songs and musical productions for church events at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, where he volunteered for many years, offering invaluable support through art, design and publications. In addition, Peter made a significant monetary contribution in his parents’ name to help build the administrative wing of the church and present-day community hall. In the past few years, he was able to write and design a privately published book chronicling “The History of the Vatsures Family.” He then followed up this magnificent publication with two more epic books based upon his early life, career and friends. Peter is survived by his two sisters, Lena Vatsures in Dallas & Harriett “Becca” Semander in Houston. He is also survived by his nephew, John Semander, his two nieces and their husbands, Maria & Fred Crawford and JoAnna & Chris Nicolaou, plus five (5) proud grandnephews, Daniels & Zane Crawford and Andreas, Zack & Pete Nicolaou… all of whom follow in their Uncle Pete’s footsteps of artistic and musical passion! The family is extremely grateful for the devoted care, assistance and friendship afforded to Pete by long-time family friend, Sal Suarez. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The Trisagion Service will be held on Friday, April 19 at 10am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with visitation and viewing from 9:30am-10am. The funeral will take place immediately following the Trisagion. May Peter’s memory be as eternal as we know his music and art will be.
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