John Pete Valassis

John Pete Valassis went to his eternal rest on September 30, 2022. He was born October 24, 1934, in Kalamata, Greece and promptly nicknamed “Tyke” by his family. John and his family immigrated to the United States, fleeing their homeland during World War II. Initially settling in Pennsylvania, as most 9-year-olds, he immersed himself in the TV Westerns, and made the English language his own. Later the family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where John attended Pershing High School. After graduation he continued his studies at Wayne State University earning a degree in Accounting.

It was about this time that he met a young lady at North Detroit Baptist Church. Finding himself at a lake side picnic where she too was in attendance, his passionate Greek blood took hold and John stole a kiss under water. This kiss sealed his fate and cemented his love for the lovely Elizabeth. His courtship was All-American as he took her to her prom, and in the normal course of events proposed. Her “Yes,” led to their wedding on September 19, 1959. Their time together lasted 63 years, but their love endures till today.

In 1961 their family increased with the birth of a beautiful baby girl. Naming her Zoi, John harkened back to his beloved Greek heritage as this name means life in the Greek language.

John’s intelligence and drive took him to a successful career in the printing industry of Michigan. This success allowed John to retire at the age of 55 and commit fully to his passion for the water. His leadership ability led him to serve as commodore for the Birmingham Power Squadron for several years. John loved to fish; some of his favorite sites were on Canadian waters. And as a true sportsman and cooking aficionado, he always prepared and consumed the fish his excursions netted.

The Valassis family boated all over Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Canada. It was this love of boating that brought them to the waters of North Carolina. It was here they found safe harbor and life on the calm waters around Oriental. John and Eliz set their anchor and built their dream home in Oriental Plantation on Smith Creek in 1991.

While the family truly loved boating, their wonder lust could not be satisfied by the roar of a boat engine. John and Eliz’s love of travel took them around the world. Their desire for trips to China, Thailand, and South America were never realized, but they missed little else. The Valassis’s annual trips to Mexico are the stuff legends are made of.

In as much as John and Eliz found a home in Oriental, Oriental found an adopted son and daughter that immersed themselves in the fabric of the community. They lent their time and energies to numerous community activities. Their exemplary service to Pamlico Fishes and Loaves being but one.

John and Eliz chose to continue to honor their faith and joined Oriental First Baptist Church. John took his membership seriously, and like all things he undertook, served with fervency and zeal. He was the Registered Agent of First Baptist for countless years. He served the Church and ministered to its members as a compassionate and loving Deacon. It can honestly be said if OFB’s doors were open John was there. His service to his fellowman will be missed. Yet his commitment to his Lord and Savior remains an example to us all.

John, we wish you “A fair wind and following seas.”

His memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 15, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Oriental.

The family will receive friends and relatives one hour prior to the service at the church.