Pete Cholometes, 90

Theodore Peter Cholometes, “Papa Pete”, as he was affectionately called, passed away on Sunday, August 18th, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old.

Theodore “Pete” Cholometes was born in Constantine on March 14th, 1934 to the late Peter Theodore Cholometes and Catherine Agnes (Yesh) Cholometes.

“Pete” was a 1952 graduate of White Pigeon High School. Soon after graduation, Pete voluntarily enlisted in the Army, serving in the Korean conflict, where he served in the Heavy Motorized Company 14th Infantry Regiment while stationed in Hawaii. In October of 1956, he was honorably discharged. He would go on to work at White Pigeon Paper, Stewart Coach Industries, Conn-Selmer, and Gemeinhardt Musical Instruments before finishing his career at American Axle and Manufacturing.

On January 5th, 1957 he married Margie Jean Berchiatti in White Pigeon. They had three children, Anthony Peter Cholometes, Lisa Jean (Dr. Thomas) DeBauche, and Gina Diane (Mike) Tuttle.

He was a devoted, life-long member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the White Pigeon American Legion, and a BIG fan and participant in the White Pigeon’s “Liars” Club. He also loved to fish, hunt and “tinker” on his lawn; was a huge White Pigeon community, school, and sports supporter, along with being an avid Notre Dame football and Detroit Lions football and baseball fan. But, most of all, he took great pride and spent much of his time participating in his childrens’, grandchildrens’, and great grandchildren’s lives in whatever events – sporting or otherwise – that they participated in. His dedication to his entire family is only superseded by his commitment to his wife, Margie, of 67 years.

Along with his wife, Margie, he is survived by his three children, son Tony, daughter’s Lisa Jean (Dr. Thomas) DeBauche, and Gina Diane (Mike) Tuttle; many special grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a younger brother Richard P. Cholometes.

Preceding Pete in death were his parents; a sister, Margie (Harold) Rice; and a younger brother Roger.

At this time, the entire Cholometes’ family wishes to send a special “Thank-You” to Mike and Kathy Zander, who gave of themselves tirelessly and selflessly during this difficult time. Also, a special thanks to Audrey Jones, Dad’s personal care-giver, and the nurses of Centrica Hospice of Kalamazoo County for their kind, courteous, and compassionate care.

In honoring Pete’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, August 26th, 2024 with a Rosary Service immediately following. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday August 27th, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 16603 U.S. 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099.

Interment and graveside services will follow at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, with a dinner to follow.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Joseph Catholic Church of White Pigeon, or the St. Joseph County Chapter of the Knights of Columbus – Council No. 13749.

Arrangements by Farrand Funeral Home.