Pete Karabogias, 63, Co-Owner of Bill's Bakery

Pete was well known in Lorain; for 42 years he co-owned Bill’s Bakery with his brother Alex. It was a popular bakery frequented by Lorainites for generations; it was known for its baked goods made the old-fashioned way. Its recipes, equipment and techniques were passed on to the Karabogias brothers when they bought the store in 1964. Its original 1912 Brick double-lined oven, its slicers, scales, and other baking instruments were dated to the 1920s and 1930s. Pete prided himself on the quality product his shop produced; baking for him was an art.

Born Oct. 27, 1945 in Domvrena, Greece, he was a classic immigrant kid. He was the youngest of a family of four children born to John and Vassiliki Karabogias, of Domvrena, Greece. His mother died suddenly in 1950, leaving the four-year old in the care of remaining family.

In 1952 John immigrated to Lorain with his three sons (the elder daughter married and moved to Egypt), and took a job at US Steel.

Pete attended Lowell Elementary School, Whittier Junior High, and Admiral King High School, in Lorain. While still at school, he worked mornings at Bill’s Bakery, frying its famous donuts. He became manager at McDonald’s, but jumped at the chance to buy the bakery with brother Alex when it came up for sale.

In 1964 he met, and then married Jilda Rae Ortenzi. She subsequently helped him at the bakery, selling the baked goods. She was the love of his life.

They had one son, Constantine, managing director at Stifel Nicolaus Inc., married to Dr. Joan Zoltanski of Cleveland, Ohio. They have one son, Peter Yohan, named after his grandfather.

Pete is remembered fondly by his family and many friends for his warmth and generosity, strength and decency, and his extraordinary sense of his humor. He was a loyal friend to many.

He was a member of AHEPA, and was a member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

Following his retirement in 2007, he loved spending time with his family and many friends. He especially enjoyed playing with his new grandson. He was the perfect “Papoo.”

He is survived by his wife, Jilda, son Constantine, his daughter-in-law Joan, and grandson Peter Yohan, as well as his sister Alexandra of Windsor, Ontario, his brother Alexandros (Alex) and sister-in-law Pauline, and Anastasios (Tommy), one nephew, and five nieces.

Pete’s family will receive friends Friday, Jan. 2, from 6-9 p.m. at Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 E. 31st South Lorain, (440) 277-8164. Trisagion Service at 7 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held Saturday, Jan. 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 2000 Tower Blvd., Lorain by Reverand Michael Gulgas. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 2000 Tower Blvd., Lorain, OH, 44052.