Obituary of Peter N. Matsoukas

Peter Nicholas Matsoukas died peacefully in his sleep on May 22, 2023 following a long illness.  He was 79 years old.  Peter was born on May 16, 1944 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Edmund and Aspasia Matsoukas.  He graduated from Rutgers University in 1966 and received his law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1969.  It was at Fordham that he met his wife Amelia, who remained his dedicated and cherished companion throughout their 52-year marriage.  After serving in the National Guard, Peter joined the Legal Aid Society of New York as an attorney, first in the Harlem Civil Division and later in the Manhattan Criminal Defense Division. He was regarded as an excellent trial attorney by his peers, loved to recount stories from the courtroom and was featured in the New York Magazine article "The Last of the Liberals."  Following his time in public service, he continued his criminal defense work in private practice until teaming with his wife Amelia to practice real estate law until their retirement.  Peter was a lifelong fan of the New York Rangers (including as a season ticket holder for over 30 years) and loved anything in the "Great American Songbook" canon.  Above all else, Peter was devoted to his family.  His happiest times were spent with his children and grandchildren at the beach or the family's home in the Catskills.  Peter is survived by his wife Amelia; his sons Peter (Katie) and Gregory (Agnes) Matsoukas, his grandsons John, Leo, and Monte; his brother George; and countless family members and friends.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic School via mail to 4217 Central Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205 or online at https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/IN403/10706.  Visitation will be held on May 30, 2023 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Greenwich Village Funeral Home, 199 Bleecker St., New York.  The funeral mass will be held on May 31, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 337 E. 74th St., New York, with burial to follow.