Chapter Eternal: Peter Calaboyias ’62

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Brother Peter Calaboyias ’62 on November 27, 2022. Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.

Please continue reading to view the full obituary as provided by Peter’s family.

Peter Calaboyias, 82, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on November 27, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.  Peter was born on the island of Ikaria, Greece, to Zacharias and Demetra (Pavlos) on February 16, 1940, and arrived in the United States in 1947, settling with his family in Johnstown, PA.  Peter was a loving father to his daughters Dianna (and Bill) Wyrick and Jackie (Chris) Fox and devoted grandfather to Elias, Panorea, Peter, Eleni, and Zacharias. Peter is also survived by sisters Mary (Michael) Raich and Sophia (Yianni) Facaros, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Peter graduated from Johnstown High School in 1958, received a degree in art education from Penn State University in 1962, and later obtained a Masters of Art from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  He began his career as an art teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, later teaching art at the Community College of Allegheny County and Grove City College.

Peter soon began making his career not just as an art educator but also as an innovative and talented sculptor and painter.  He was honored with his first solo exhibition at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh in 1972, and since that time he has had multiple additional exhibitions in Pittsburgh as well as many more in other U.S. and European cities. His commissions include countless paintings, stainless steel and bronze sculptures, and artwork in other media, which are found in both public and private collections at home and abroad.  His most internationally recognized work may be “Tribute,” a bronze work of art which was commissioned for the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympic games in 1996.  Tribute remains in Centennial Park in Atlanta, Georgia and is seen by many thousands of visitors each year.  Peter was most honored to be awarded a commission to create a sculpture which today sits outside of the Paterno Library at Penn State.  “Stacks” is Peter’s vision of a world of books and literature which the viewer can get lost in, just like a good book.  The inside of the sculpture, which the viewer can walk through, is covered with a history of symbols of reading and literature, from hieroglyphics to ancient Greek to modern languages.

Peter was a proud member of the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Oakmont, PA, the Pan-Ikarian Brotherhood, and the Order of AHEPA, each of which kept him close to his Orthodox religion and Hellenic Heritage. He was a founding member of Pittsburgh Society of Artists (PSA), and a member of the Pittsburgh Society of Sculptors and the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh.