Pete was a product of the greatest generation and lived his life with the same principles and values of that generation. Pete loved and served his country. He got his education and worked hard. He lived his life in a quiet, dignified, unassuming way. Good friend, good neighbor, good guy.When Pete did something, it was well thought out and done meticulously. The beautiful yard in Pearl River is a testament to that. He loved being out in that yard and being out with his with his great pal, Joey.

Pete and I were classmates but really didn't know each other that well during those years ( unlike me , Pete was a student ). We reconnected on the reunion committee and developed a wonderful friendship. I often regretted not knowing him better back then. Pete was an invaluable member of our committee. He was the worker bee, volunteering for everything and following through in is usual diligent manner. His sincerity, good judgement and sense of fairness helped guide our decisions.

Over the past few months,we had many wonderful conversations. Most were about his days at his beloved Pearl River High School. I learned a great deal about Pete that I wasn't aware of. He spoke about how difficult it was to transfer to Pearl River being younger than us and quiet by nature. He said that he became more comfortable as he got to know people in homeroom and his classes. He mentioned wanting to ask Bev out and in spite of encouragement from Peggy, couldn't summon the courage to do it. He spoke of helping classmates with schoolwork. He wasn't sure if Ange would have made it though chemistry without him. Pete didn't have the confidence to go out for sports. At the wake you probably noticed the varsity letter that was with Pete. There is a wonderful story behind that and it provides further insight into Pete's character. Pete gave great credit for his personal development to John Brett, the gym teacher who filled in for Max Talaska during his sabbatical. Mr. Bret approached Pete and encouraged him to come out for the soccer team. With his encouragement, Pete overcame his reservations joining Clint Whiteman, Frank Stuart and Dave Stolte on the team. He did much better than he thought he would and greatly enjoyed being part of the team. Mr. Brett, then encouraged Pete to try put for the volleyball team. Pete joined and had another positive experience. He was so committed,worked so hard and made such a great contribution to the team that Mr. Brett insisted that Pete had earned a varsity letter. It was a great accomplishment that Pete never expected and a great source of pride, as well it should have. He asked that it be with him today.

Pete spoke about his post high school years and times he and Eileen spent with Sal and Irene and with Dee Dee. Our class get-togethers for pizza,brunch or breakfast was something that he truly loved. Being with his classmates and friends meant so much to him.

Pete also talked a great deal about his family. He was very proud of his heritage and I enjoyed his stories about family history, accomplishments and life. He was very proud of Jeanette and made clear her status as a Boilermaker. ( for those who don't know - a graduate of Purdue University ). He was happy to remind me about the 4 consecutive years that they beat the Notre Dame football team. He was very relieved and grateful that Jeanette's husband Tom stepped into Pete's role as guardian for his and Jeanette's uncle who is on a nursing home in Queens. Another responsibility that Pete willing did with his usual diligence, even missing our group brunch at the Hotel Thayer at West Point because it was his uncle's birthday. Jeanette and Tom's support for he and Eileen was a great source of comfort for him and gave him peace.

Pete lived his final months as he did the rest of his life. With strength and dignity. He never complained. He always spoke of the good people who were taking care of him and was grateful. Although he never gave up, he accepted the reality and faced each step with courage. His greatest concern was his beloved Eileen. He asked nothing for himself. It was always about taking care of Eileen. We all know of Pete's devotion to her and it continued to his last breath. Eileen you were a wonderful couple. A great match. Your love for him gave him great  happiness in life and comfort in his final moments. He heard you in those final moments.

One thing that makes me feel good, is that I could see that during this difficult period, Pete came to realize how loved and respected he was by so many people.

Pete will be missed terribly, but I'm sure the he and our dear classmate Dick Shaab are already working on the BIG reunion in our future.