Peter Pastras, age 67, passed away on August 8, 2026. Beloved husband of Debra Thompson, loving father of Thea Pastras and Devin Pastras. Dear brother of Constance Pastras and Dean Pastras. Brother-in-law of Deborah Bajakian, Lesley Thompson, Laurie and Edward Wikoff, Joanne and Robert Maransky. Son-in-law of Roger and Mary Jane Thompson.
Peter was born November 23, 1958, to Spiro and Katherine Pastras. A first-generation American, he grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Childhood friendships made there would continue throughout his life. He graduated from Ramapo College and earned a Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University.
Peter had a deeply fulfilling career in the mental health field, which spanned forty years. He worked at (then) Mid-Bergen Community Mental Health Center, Morristown Memorial Hospital, and had a private psychotherapy practice. With friends as partners, he founded a clinical and healthcare consulting practice to achieve better outcomes for people receiving mental health services.
Peter moved to the maple-shaded suburb of Harrington Park, where he resided for thirty years. He participated actively in town life. Coaching his kids’ recreation teams provided him some of the best memories and friendships of his life.
Peter was blessed that his brother and sister lived locally and could share all birthdays, celebrations, and holidays. Peter belonged to Debbie’s family as well. The farm in upstate New York served as a second home to him in adulthood. His relationships with his nieces and nephews, Amanda, Peter, Haley, Stephen, and Lauren, had their foundation in the annual Shore vacation.
Other cherished memories were ski trips to Vermont, fishing trips with friends, and especially a family trip to Alaska. Peter loved to golf, watch the Mets, and spend time with cats. He was an avid reader and, despite a goofy sense of humor, was a serious intellectual.
Peter and Debbie were married for thirty-one years, and shared forty-one years together as a couple. Peter was a devoted husband and true partner throughout their time together. Once a father, his children became the center of his life and were his true joy.
Friends and family are invited to visitation at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ, August 28 from 4:00-7:00pm. A service honoring Peter’s life will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Norwood, 701 Broadway, Norwood, NJ, August 29 at 10:30am. Friends are welcome to share thoughts and stories at that time. A repast will follow. Internment will happen at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
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