Obituary of Peter A. DeAngelis

LITTLE FALLS - Peter (Pietro) A. DeAngelis, 96, a recent resident at Foltsbrook and formerly of Valley Residential Services Herkimer and Hancock St. Little Falls, NY, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 6, 2019.

Peter was born in Little Falls, NY on September 14, 1922 and was the son of the late Lidano and Teresa (DiRaimo) DeAngelis. He completed his education at Little Falls High School and in 1942 enlisted in the US Navy. A World War II Veteran, Peter served his country on board the U.S.S. Carter Hall in the Pacific. In 1946 he was honorably discharged after earning several bronze stars and the rank of 2nd class water tender. After the war, Peter was employed by the former Cherry Burrell Corp. for over 40 years, where he was involved in the care and operation of steam boilers. 

On May, 18, 1946, Peter married Lucille Gigliotti at a Nuptial Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Dolgeville, NY. This was the beginning of their promise to always be together and they were blessed with the gift of over 72 years of married life. 

Peter was an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish and later Holy Family Parish. He was a lector at Mass and together with Lucille they were the first couple at St. Joseph’s Parish to serve as Eucharistic ministers. He was also involved in the parish renew program and faith formation classes. Peter joyfully served on many church committees and was involved in the Italian American celebrations throughout the years.

Peter had an interest in local politics and for many years served as Fourth Ward Alderman, Herkimer County Legislator, and Commissioner of the Little Falls Board of Public Works.

Peter believed that it was important for a family to have a summer vacation together so as a young father he always found a way to take his wife and daughters to Cape Cod. After retirement Peter and Lucille enjoyed traveling to Jerusalem and the Holy Land, Fatima, Portugal, Lourdes, France and to Rome, Italy where they were blessed by the presence of Pope St. John Paul II. In addition they enjoyed many winters in the Florida sunshine.

Peter was an easy going and gentle man. He loved “his girls” and was always there for them. He enjoyed going to the horse race tracks and all things Italian including his own great cooking.  He will be greatly missed by all.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Lucille; daughters, Lorraine DeAngelis, (Richfield Springs, NY),Valerie Bly and her husband, David, (Ormond Beach, FL), Patrice DeAngelis and her husband, Randy Grolemund, (Webster, NY); grandchildren, Courtney Titus, Joshua Grippe and his wife,Tracey; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn and Joseph Titus; sister, Lena Liscio; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Anthony DeAngelis; and special brother-in-law, Mike Liscio.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at 10:30 AM at The Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street in Little Falls, NY and at 11:00 AM at the Holy Family Parish Church, corner of East Main & John Streets, Little Falls, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Terence Healy, assisted by Deacon James Bower. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Herkimer with military honors.

Calling hours, a gathering for family and friends, are Thursday morning, prior to the funeral prayers at the funeral home, 9:00 until 10:30 AM.

Those wishing to remember Peter in a special way are asked to consider a donation in his memory to the Holy Family Parish. Envelopes for this opportunity will be available at the funeral home.

To extend an online note of sympathy, please visit www.eneafamily.com on the Internet. Arrangements are under the direction of Funeral Directors Harry J. & Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia (315) 823-2424.