Peter Demosthenes Raft

HOPKINTON - Peter Demosthenes Raft, 76, passed away Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008. He was born in Ithaca, Greece, on Dec. 6, 1931, to Alvania Raft (Anastasiades) and Demosthenes Raft. He attended Syracuse University, where he received a bachelor's degree in physics in 1953. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, he earned a master's degree in physics from New York University. Peter worked as a nuclear physicist at the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in New York City, and after moving to New Hampshire, he was employed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where he helped to ensure the radiological health of submarine personnel. In 1985, Peter received an educational fellowship to attend Harvard University, where he earned a master's degree in environmental health sciences. He retired from the shipyard in 1996 and joined the family printing business, where he took pride in helping customers and working with his wife, Effie. A genuine and wonderful man, Peter leaves his wife, Effie (Karalis), and children Ava, Dean and Jason. A tribute in remembrance of Peter will be held Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Concord Hospital, ICU, 250 Pleasant St., Concord 03301; the Disabled Americans Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati 45250; or the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 68 N. State St., Concord 03301.