Peter Stamos Fund for the Ansonia Public Library

The tale behind the Peter Stamos Fund for the Ansonia Public Library at VCF is just as wonderful as the stories sitting on the shelves of the Ansonia Library, which Peter enjoyed for the more than 70 years before his passing in March, 2022. Peter was an avid reader would finish three-to-four books each week.

Born in Bridgeport, he moved to Ansonia after marrying the late Mary Vartelas in the early 50s. He became an educator, retiring as the principal of the Lincoln-Hayes School in Ansonia, often stopping at the Ansonia Library on his way home from work. There, he developed longstanding and meaningful relationships with the staff as well as a deep appreciation for the library’s significant role in the community.

Over time, Peter developed an extensive private library but would rely on his ability to borrow the many mysteries, thrillers, and spy novels. He would frequently visit local bookstores to buy novels while also noting the newly released titles that captured his imagination. Peter would then return to the library with his wish list.

“If the library didn’t have the book, the librarians would be happy to order it,” said Gregory (Greg) Stamos, Peter’s son. “The staff always took care of Dad and, in return, he would make modest annual donations to the Ansonia Public Library.”

When Greg’s mother passed away in 2005, Peter donated money for books in her memory and Greg was impressed with the reaction of other patrons. “People who knew my dad would approach him to say they read a library book and noticed my mother’s name on the book plate on the inside cover. How neat is that?”

Peter always paid attention to the library’s needs, donating to projects like the clock tower renovation. He was particularly proud to support the work done to maintain the mosaic floor at the library’s entrance. Greg explained, “The Pegasus design resonated with Dad because of our Greek heritage.”

The librarians were always on the lookout for titles that might interest Peter and call him with recommendations. Greg said,

Although Peter would patronize libraries in other towns where he lived over the years — Orange and Woodbridge — the Ansonia Public Library held a special place in the Stamos family’s history.

For his part, Greg remembers when Jean Whalen, the librarian, let him use a room on the third floor as he was studying for the bar exam some four decades ago. “I couldn’t get much quiet time in the family home with 12 Greeks living there. Since I passed the bar, I also owe the Ansonia Public Library a debt of gratitude.”

Greg credits his brother, Paul, and his sister Lisa, for suggesting the family create a fund while Peter was still alive. “By establishing a fund during his lifetime, Dad could see the difference his generosity was making. . . We’re all voracious readers, from my late great uncles Elias and Polychronis Vonetes to my Dad’s four grandchildren.”

“In fact, those grandchildren — Alexis Stamos, Angelika Stamos-Cody, as well as Jacob and Lauren Heerdt — have their own exclusive book club but made an exception for their Papou so he could join,” Greg continued. “In an age with so much technology, we want others to appreciate the joy and serenity of holding a book in their hands, something that can transport anyone anywhere in the world at any time.”

“I have received so much from the Ansonia Public Library over the years,” Peter Stamos said at the time the fund was created. “The friendships I have made and the experiences I have been able to receive are so incredibly valuable to me. I hope, through this fund, the library is able to continue to offer the same to others for generations to come.”

This designated fund at the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) will benefit the Ansonia Public Library to support its programs, capital improvements, or general operating support. Click here to learn about other funds established by the Vartelas-Stamos Family.

Editor’s Note: Peter Stamos passed away on March 19, 2022, surrounded by his large and wonderful family knowing his legacy had passed to future generations.