Reverend Peter B. Koskores, the U.S. Veterans Administration's first Greek Orthodox Chaplain, passed away in his sleep on Saturday, September 16, in North Andover, Massachusetts, where he has resided since 1997. He was 87.

The son of Reverend Basil and Eleni (Rigopoulos)Koskores,he was born in Springfield, Mass. in 1920, and from an early age decided to follow in his father's footsteps as a Greek Orthodox Priest, graduating from his faith's seminary in Pomfret, Connecticut. He served as Deacon of the Boston Greek Orthodox Cathedral before his ordination in 1945. He was a parish priest in the following communities: Woburn, MA, Greenville,SC,Vancouver,Canada, Keene, NH and Brockton, Mass. His services were enriched by, and well known for his exceptionally sonorous voice and liturgical singing.

In 1964, Reverend Koskores concluded his parish service in Brockton, Mass.,where he was pastor of the Greek Orthodox Assumption Church. At that time, he accepted an appointment as a chaplain in the US Veterans Administration. Stationed at the Veteran's Hospital in Brockton, he also served other Veterans Administration facilities throughout New England. He retired in 1994.

A singular moment in his career came in 1961, when he gave the benediction at President John F. Kennedy's First Presidential Birthday Party in 1961 at the Commonwealth Armory in Boston.

Reverend Koskores is survived by two sons and their families: Nick and Mary Koskores of North Andover, and their three children, Nicole, Christopher and Peter; and Ted and Karen Koskores of Braintree, and their two children, Tommy and Kristina. He also leaves his three nieces; Helen Sourvilla, Bella Gryczko and her husband Dave and Nicki Saledas and her husband Nick and many relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Mary Hantzes and Angie Koutsonecolis.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Sts. Constantine & Helen Church, 71 Chandler Road, Andover, MA 01810.