Nicholas Vasil Peter

Nicholas Vasil Peter lived a long and grateful life. He died in his home the morning of Thursday, June 2, 2016, four months shy of his 90th birthday. Deloris “Dee”, his devoted wife of 28 years, was with him to the end, lovingly caring for him as she had during his long struggle with Alzheimers. Many of his 10 children and their spouses surrounded him during his last days with song, prayer and words of love. Nick had a passion for musical theatre and performed for many years with Wichita Community Theatre, Music Theatre of Wichita and The Crown Players. He was most noteworthy as Grandfather in “Heidi”, “Promises, Promises”, “How To Succeed In Business”, amongst many others. Born in 1926, Nick grew up in Worcester, MA with his Albanian family. He was drafted before he could finish high school and served in the Army during the last months of WWII. He eventually attended Babson College before transferring to the newly opened affiliate, Utopia College, in Eureka, KS. This led him to WSU where he studied opera and music performance. A letter carrier for over 30 years, his enthusiasm for walking could not be dampened; he played golf with his colleagues on his days off in addition to other athletic pursuits. At 63 with stunning blue eyes, handsome good looks and a ready smile, he was a welcome presence to the families on his routes, his fellow thespians, and anyone who encountered him. He kept over 70 years of letters from his family back East along with every card and letter from his children. His Leica and Brownie cameras documented his life, his family and his travels. Nick was preceded in death by his two sons, Nicholas, Jr. and Stephen, along with his sisters, Betty, Helena and Violet, and brothers, Peter and Stephen. Besides his wife, Nick is survived by his 7 daughters and 1 son (and spouses): Kathy Peter of Lawrence, KS; Maggie Dixon of Portland, OR (Steve); Laurie Peter of Morristown, NJ (Betsy); Mary Rogers of Kansas City, KS; Julianne Peter of Zillah, WA; Carolyn Saal of Edmond, OK; Rachel Dobbs of Lawrence (Kevin); Jason Peter of Lawrence (Molly Mackinnon); and a stepson John Corpolongo of Edmond, KS (Melinda). There are also 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, as well as a sister, Harriet of NY. Visitation with the family, 6-8 p.m., Saturday, June 4; Funeral Service, 2:30 p.m., Sunday, June 5, both at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Tributes via www.dlwichita.com