Panagiotis "Pete" Efstathiou

Panagiotis “Pete” Efstathiou, age 71, of Schererville, IN, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, November 15, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones.

Pete was born on May 28, 1953 in Kandyla, Greece. As a young boy, he enjoyed spending time outdoors with family and friends. While living in Greece, he took great pride in operating his family’s tractor to help family and friends whenever needed. In October 1975, he came to America and eventually became the proud owner of Auto Tec Foreign Service.

Pete was a sincere and hardworking man, who enjoyed a simple life. As a car enthusiast, he enjoyed talking about cars and working on cars he owned over the years. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors by hunting and fishing. Yet his favorite pastime of all was relaxing on his porch while spending time with loved ones and having his dog, Toby, by his side.

Pete is survived by his loving significant other Shellie (nee Campbell) Scott. He will dearly be missed by his sisters Efstathia (Gregory) Fegga and Sophia (Tryfon) Deligiannis, as well as his brother Dimitri Efstathiou. He was a proud uncle to Vasili (Athena) Fegga, Taso (Eleni) Fegga, Voula (Yianni) Fegga, Tom Deligiannis, and Elizabeth (Jimmy) Karalis, as well as many great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Evangelos and Athanasia (nee Petmezas) Efstathiou.  He will also be deeply missed by his beloved extended family including Steve and Selma Martin, Sherrie (Gene) Smith, and Raymond (Stacy) Campbell and his nieces and nephews Tiffany Wright, Amber Ashley, Nicholas Ashley, and Peyton, Austin, and Carly Campbell.

Pete will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and his memory will live eternally in their hearts.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. with a Trisagion service to be held at 6:30 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN.  Funeral service will be Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church 528 W. 77th Ave. Schererville, IN, with Reverend Father Demetrios Kounavis officiating.  Interment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Joliet, IL.

For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 (tel:219-322-7300) or visit our online obituary and guest book
at www.SMITSFH.com (http://www.smitsfh.com/)