Peter Kaites Obituary

It is with deep sadness and much love that the family of Peter E. Kaites announces his peaceful passing to heaven on May 28th, 2025. Pete was born in Clarksburg, WV, on December 21st, 1922, to Emanual and Domna (Morphidis) Kaites. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Gloria Coyne Kaites, and the two enjoyed a full, devoted life together before her passing in 2003.
For over 102 years, Pete Kaites lived a full life rooted in his faith, family, friends, and country. After graduating from Washington Irving H.S. in 1940, Pete entered West Virginia University and earned a degree in Business Administration. His college education was interrupted by World War II when he passionately enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant, where he trained as a Bombardier and Nose Gunner on a B-24 bomber. He and his fellow crewman survived a training takeoff crash prior to the end of the war. Following the war, Pete began his career in business as the owner of the Clarksburg Candy Company. After 12 years in the wholesale candy industry, he entered the men's fine clothing sales business. In 1965, the same year he married his sweetheart Gloria, they together opened Kaites, Ltd., a fine, traditional men's clothing store in Uptown Clarksburg. They successfully operated Kaites, Ltd. for over 30 years.
Pete stood as a devoted son, loving husband, caring brother, cherished uncle, and dear friend. A friend to all, Pete Kaites "never met a stranger." He was a loyal, lifelong WVU Mountaineer fanatic. Pete attended WVU football (and tailgates!) and basketball games well into his 90s. In his spare time, he enjoyed the game of golf and its social rewards. Pete was an inaugural member of the Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport – playing golf into his late 90s. Make no mistake, Pete was always up for a party!
Pete was a lifelong parishioner and servant of the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Clarksburg. A devout Christian with a great love for the church, he was grateful for the support and love he received from his fellow parishioners throughout his life.
In addition to his loving parents and gracious wife, Gloria, Pete was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Kaites-Laskey, his brother John E. Kaites, as well as an infant brother and sister. He is survived by his loving sister Jean K. Drizos (Bridgeville, PA), numerous nieces and nephews, and his honorary daughter Susan Kendrick.
The family would like to thank and recognize the skilled, compassionate, and dedicated staff of the WV VA Nursing Facility for their care of Pete this past year, and the caring Amedisys Hospice team these past few weeks. Expressively, the family would like to acknowledge and thank family friend Susan Kendrick for her unwavering loving care, dedicated support, and loyal friendship she bestowed on our beloved Pete Kaites over the past several years.
Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort, WV, on Friday, June 13th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. He will be taken to the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 1010 Factory Street, Clarksburg, WV, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, where he will lie in state from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Trisagion service will be held at 10:30 with the service at 11:00 a.m. with Father Stelyios Muksuris presiding.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorial contributions be made in Pete's name to the Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 4176, Clarksburg, WV 26302.
Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.