Peter Dendrinos

FRANKFORT — Peter Chris Dendrinos, 84, of Frankfort, formerly of Traverse City, passed away at his home July 24, 2010. Peter was born July 6, 1926, to the late Chris and Kathryn (Holder) Dendrinos in Muskegon.In the spring of 1944, Peter graduated from Muskegon Heights High School and was an all state selection for football. He was a member of the varsity football team when he attended Michigan State University in 1944. After completing one term, he answered the call of duty and joined the United States Air Corps.In 1946, Peter enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he earned his Business degree. He was a member of the 1947 National Football Championship Team and Rose Bowl winning team. Upon graduation in 1951, he worked for 3M until joining his family business in 1954. Peter started Chef Pierre, Inc., in 1956. Leading and growing Chef Pierre gave him great enjoyment. He was well-liked and respected by all of his employees. He served as a Trustee for Munson Medical Center from 1972-82, and Interlochen Center for the Arts from 1974-90. He also served as a director for National Bank and Trust from 1972-77, Universal Foods-Milwaukee from 1972-78, and the Michigan Bell Telephone company from 1976-90. Peter was a Traverse City Commissioner from 1975-78 and the Mayor of Traverse City in 1978. He was also a member of the Traverse City Rotary from 1974-90. Peter was a social man with an inspiring personality. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, playing gin rummy, and watching U of M football with his family and friends. Go Blue!Above all, he was a family man. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Margaret "Peggy"; son, Peter (Cheryl) Dendrinos of Traverse City; daughter, Katherine (Shawn) Rickel of Golden, Colo.; brothers, Michael (Barbara) Dennos, George (Jan) Dendrinos; sister-in-law, Dorothy Dendrino; sisters, Georgia (Charles) Zorn, Angeline (Spencer) Ketchum, and Athena (Joe) Gabrial; and his grandchildren, Erin, Christopher and Michael.Peter is preceded in death by his son, Michael; brothers, Spiros Dendrino and Ange Dennis; and his parents.Visitation for friends and family will be held Tuesday, July 27, from 5 until 8 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City.Memorial contributions in Peter's honor may be directed to Father Fred Foundation of Traverse City.Please visit Peter's online guestbook to share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.comThe family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.