Peter Gelles, 86, of Portsmouth, passed away Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at Heartland of Portsmouth.

He was born May 13, 1923, in Conemaugh, Pa., to the late John and Mary Idzik Gelles. Pete was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, a life member of the DAV, a retired Baltimore (Md.) police officer, a member of the Friendship Masonic Lodge of Ocala, Fla., the Scottish Rite and the Supreme Council Shrine Club of Washington, D.C. He was an Army veteran of WWII having served as a paratrooper. Peter earned the Purple Heart, the WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Gelles and his second wife, Ann Gelles. Surviving him is his wife, Marjorie Carter Allen Gelles, whom he married in Portsmouth Nov. 5, 1989; a son, James Moore Gelles of Baltimore; a daughter, Beverly Stallings of Millersville, Md.; two brothers, Dr. Paul Gelles of Ocala, Fla., and Nicolas Gelles of Conemaugh, Pa.; one sister, Jayne Naperkowsky of Weathersfield, Conn.; and his special pet, “Flossie Dog.”

Also preceding Peter in death was one son, Larry Gelles; two brothers, George and Charles Gelles; two sisters, Helen Skedel and Ann Lefchick; and his son-in-law, Dr. Larkin Allen.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.RalphFScott.com.