Peter Thomas Caramihalis
November 28, 1965 ~ August 1, 2022
Resided in:
Sanford, Maine
Peter T. Caramihalis, 56, of Sanford passed away peacefully on Monday, August 1, 2022, at his brother's home in York after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his daughter, son, brothers, nieces, nephews, and best friend Ray Davis.
He was born on November 28, 1965, one of 5 sons to Charles and Shirley (Morrow) Caramihalis in Sanford where he grew up and attended local schools, graduating from Sanford High School in 1984.
Pete started in the restaurant business at a young age, and soon after graduating from high school worked his way to the position of manager at the Weathervane in Sanford. He went on to own and operate several food establishments in Sanford, and was well known for his food truck Ed’s Quick Lunch, ownership of Gene's Bakery for a time, and more recently Edgar's Old Mill Burgers. Someone would be hard pressed to find anyone in the area who was not fed by Pete at one time or another. He also enjoyed working at Liquid Dreams in York, and was the manager of the Lafayette Club in Sanford at the time of his death.
Being tall in stature, Pete always looked large and intimidating while wearing his sunglasses and riding around on his motorcycle, but inside he was a generous and kind man. He was always willing to help in any way and was very endearing. He was the “fun uncle” who liked to laugh, eat, and tell jokes. He was also very grateful for his loving and supportive family, as well as his countless friends.
Those who knew Pete would know that he was proud of his sobriety. He was a leader in the local AA community, being especially fond of taking on the newcomer. Through the years he had a wonderful giving spirit, but while he was sober he truly shined. He celebrated his five years of sobriety on June 11.
Pete is predeceased by his parents, a brother Christopher Caramihalis, nephew Nick Caramihalis, and nephew David Moulton.
Survivors include his daughter Amy Caramihalis of York, his son Peter Caramihalis of Auburn, granddaughter Theresa Studley of Lebanon, brothers Charlie Caramihalis and his wife Dianne Smallidge, Andy Caramihalis and his wife Christine, and Mike Caramihalis, all of York, nieces and nephews Lauren, Marina, Colton, Cory, Kelsey, Kylie, Noah, Lindsay, Erin, grandnephews and grandnieces Rowen and Phoebe, Mackenzie, Leighton, Emitt, and Rhea.
Relatives and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale.
“Big Pete”, as he was affectionately known, loved the beach and always lived a laid back lifestyle. Rarely would you see him without a Hawaiian shirt on and sunglasses…rain or shine. In his honor, his family will be wearing Hawaiian shirts and flip flops during the visiting hours. Feel free to join the Caramihalis crew and wear your summer best.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider sending a memorial contribution to the Maine Children’s Cancer online at https://fundraising.mmc.org/mccp-donate-now or by mail to The Maine Children’s Cancer Program, Development Office, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, Maine 04102-9979.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.
To leave a message of condolence visit Pete's Remembrance Page.
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Thank you Pete for being an amazing friend,the girls and I will miss you terribly tell my babe I love him❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sending so many prayers to family and friends of Pete…
I can’t imagine the Class of 1984 being together without you, Peter. Glenn and I loved taking our boys to Edgar’s for Pete’s yummy food…they still talk about the Zun dogs, loved our random texts – most recently, just a few weeks ago while I was on York Beach and another pinnacle one of the Dancing Santa at Fire and Ice, I loved how much he loved the newspaper wedding pics of his parents that I found and sent him last year, loved his big hugs, and everything he did to help with Reunions. Despite the news last week, I really thought I would see you again….Rest In Peace my big hearted friend 💔
I deeply regret that we are flying out of the area tomorrow and won’t be able to be there in our Hawaiian shirts Friday night to honor you, Peter. To all of the beloved Caramahalis family and our dear classmates who share in this heavy and collective grief, please know our thoughts, prayers, and spirit are with you.
Beth Simpson-Robie and Glenn Robie
We grew up on River dt. with the family and the Chapais family. My little brother Kevin was friends with Pete. I remember him looking at the Sears catalog at the women’s underwear pages when they were in the house!! Was always nice seeing him on his bike or at a car show. RIP Pete
I am just blown away. I have known Pete and his family at least 56 years. My love and prays go out to this wonderful family. Love, Bev Sowerby
Charlie, Andy & Mike and Family; So sorry to learn about Pete’s passing, our deepest condolences to you and the family. Pete was a unique man, always there with a smile and friendly hello. Always there to help those that needed him. He’ll be sorely missed by all. We wish you all well. Stay safe and all the best.
The McCall’s – Mom, Bob, Harry & Brian.
Pete helped my with my cancer while I was going thru it. I just wish I could have returned the favor. RIP MY FRIEND. until we meet again.
Bob T
Pete help thru my cancer two years. He was a great friend and gave me a lot of support. I just wish I could have helped him with this. RIP my friend until we meet again.
Bob T
He worked so hard when he took over Gene’s Bakery from Gene Kerrigan. I waited tables for breakfast & we had to be there like 5AM. Peter was always there hours before us, down in basement making all the doughnuts/pastries that were put out in the case everyday, along with pie(s) rolls of many kinds for holiday orders. Gene was down there w/him showing him the ropes many mornings.
There’s many stories-from listening to his favorite John Conlee tape (yes, tape-it was the ’80’s) over & over again all night when cooking behind the line @ The Weathervane. He bragged he could break down the line/clean @ the end of the night in 1 side of the tape.
We also had a large crew that went skiing every year during the day on Christmas Eve & we sang dirty limericks on the chair lift ride up the slope!
Peter always helped others, it was his nature. When he had the bakery he & Becky made up an entire Thanksgiving menu soup to nuts & the entire staff all picked off the lift to purchase items to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for a needy family. This was just one act of kindness Peter demonstrated.
COOKING!
When didn’t he???
I have known Pete since the days of school @ SHS, as we were 2 grades apart (Class of ’84 & ’86).
We then worked together for years @ The Weathervane Restaurant in Sanford & later I waited tables @ Gene’s Bakery when he owned it.
A larger than life person who knew everyone & everyone knew him. He was in the know about all going on in town & a great person to gab with!
He was never too busy to talk to everyone. On the weekends after the bar closed-always went to Ed’s Quick Lunch Truck to have a bite & later on down the hill to Edgar’s. To see the people that flocked in for a bite & a chat-he was loved by many. I liked that I always sat in the lunch truck talking w/Pete while he was cooking, would stay & eat sometimes too.
That he was just fun to be with, easy to talk to & share many a laugh with.
You will always know what you meant to me throughout my life. See you on the other side xoxo
My condolences go out to his amazing family! Pete was a man with a heart of gold and had the biggest hugs! My favorite memories of Pete was his amazing clam cake and his big smile! RIP and until we meet again Pete! Love a friend always Christine Milne Main
My prayers to all of Peter’s family and friends. Peace to you Pete.
Only know you for a short time but man you are a rock star in my book
Miss you already my friend
Spread your goodness in heaven
Thoughts and Prayers go out to Friends & Family of Pete. He always had a huge smile, every time we saw each other and always a huge hug! You will be dearly missed!!! ❤️🫶🏻🌻🇺🇸LOVE YA PETE ~ XOXOX Heidi
I’ll miss your goofy smile ~ & big hugs every time we saw each other. Thanks for all the crazy chats & many amazing meals fit for royalty~ you truly will be missed by so many!!! *I am so blessed to have seen you a few weeks ago- and known you for so many years….ohhhh that smirk & hug -meant the world to me!!! I’ll look for you surfing in the clouds!! ❤️🫶🏻🌻🇺🇸Love Ya Pete-
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I am so sad to hear of Pete’s passing. Such a kind, fun loving man. Always happy to see you and the life and soul of any gathering..His enthusiasm for life and knowing he would help anyone who needed it were well known.
RIP Pete..🙏🏻
We will always keep you in our hearts. Rest In Peace Peter ❤️
Sending you all so much love during this time! Thinking of you all ❤️
My thoughts and love to Peter’s family. May the memories of such a wonderful man, always stay in your heart ❤️ RIP Peter !!
One of a kind guy!! Miss your visits at the Post ❤️
One of a kind guy!! Miss your visits at the Post ❤️
My heart goes out to Pete’s family. Sending love , strength and hugs.
Pete & I knew each other from school and later I worked for him at the restaurant called Pete’s Place (Old Gene’s Bakery). I would later see him at most of all the wrestling meets cheering the kids on.
I will always remember his sense of humor his Hawaiian shirts and flip flops.
RIP Pete!!
Going to miss our great conversations, fun, and laughs!
God Bless!!
❤️🙏❤️
He was larger than life and loved by all
Pete so many memories from York Beach! It’s so hard for me to pick just one. I’m picking one that my whole family remembers, all 9 plus my parents and extended family. We would play skat for money and Pete taught all of us to say on your face instead of on your honor. We still say on your face and remember you every time. You left us too soon Pete RIP. Tracy ( Dyke)
PETER LOOKED HANDSOME AS ALWAYS AND PETER WOULD LOOK AT HIS MOTHER AND SAY YOU LOOK VERY BEAUTIFUL
I WANT TO SAY MY LAST GOODBYE SIR PETER