Peter Lamprakos of Edison died on September 9, 2018, of brain cancer at 91.
Born in Perth Amboy to a Greek immigrant family of modest means, he pursued social justice as a history teacher, union leader, activist, and friend to those in need.
Peter enlisted in the Navy in World War II and thanks to the GI bill, received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the the University of Detroit, and later Master’s degrees in history (Rutgers) and education (Kean). He taught in the Perth Amboy public school system for three decades, first at the Grammar School and then at the High School. Among his fondest memories were reenacting Socrates’ trial with students, and performing in faculty talent shows to raise scholarships for college-bound seniors.
Peter was a leading voice for the rights of working people in New Jersey. He served as president of the local union in the early 1970’s, on the negotiating board of AFT New Jersey, and was instrumental in winning public employees’ right to organize.
He traveled extensively with his wife and daughter and loved music and acting, performing with several community theater companies. During his years at Whispering Knoll Assisted Living, he led a singing group and was known by his many good friends there as “maestro.”
Peter’s family and friends will miss his indomitable spirit, big heart, encyclopedic knowledge of old movies and passionate, progressive politics.
Peter was predeceased by his wife Blanche (2011). He is survived by his daughter Michele and her husband Steven; and by his brothers, John and William, and their families.
A viewing will be held at Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, on Thursday, September 13, 2018, from 4:00-8:00 PM. A service of Divine Liturgy will be held on Friday at 11:15 AM at Saint Demetrios Church in Perth Amboy followed by a graveside service at 2:00 PM at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the AFT’s Operation Agua which provides water purification systems to Puerto Rican families affected by Hurricane Maria: https://www.aft.org/operation-agua
