Born in Perth Amboy to a Greek immigrant family of modest means, he pursued social justice as a history teacher, union leader, activist, and friend to those in need.
Peter enlisted in the Navy in World War II and thanks to the GI bill, received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the the University of Detroit, and later Master’s degrees in history (Rutgers) and education (Kean). He taught in the Perth Amboy public school system for three decades, first at the Grammar School and then at the High School. Among his fondest memories were reenacting Socrates’ trial with students, and performing in faculty talent shows to raise scholarships for college-bound seniors.
Peter was a leading voice for the rights of working people in New Jersey. He served as president of the local union in the early 1970’s, on the negotiating board of AFT New Jersey, and was instrumental in winning public employees’ right to organize.
Visitation
Thursday, Sep 13, 2018
4:00 PM-8:00 PM
Funeral Mass
Friday, Sep 14, 2018
11:15 AM
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the AFT’s Operation Agua which provides water purification systems to Puerto Rican families affected by Hurricane Maria.
AFTNJ President Donna Chiera worked with Lamprakos in Perth Amboy. Chiera said, “As a history teacher, Peter incorporated lessons from the labor movement into his classes—including singing ‘Solidarity Forever.’ True to his principles, Peter always made sure we respected ongoing labor actions, boycotts and strikes so our office did not have grapes while the farmworkers were marching for safe working conditions and we supported striking telephone and airline workers causes. He never wavered in his passionate beliefs.”
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