Peter Colella formerly of Castelvetere, Italy, passed away peacefully at his home on July 20th, 2024, at the age of 102.

 

We are not surprised that he passed during the Saint Mary of Carmen Festival as it was one of his most treasured traditions, where all his family gathered at his home while the procession passed by.

 

Peter was the beloved husband of Maria (Lupo) also formerly of Castelvetere Italy.

Devoted father of the late Donato, Nicola, and twins Nicola II and Annuziata. Survived by Pasqualina and husband  Mario Civetta of Cossato Italy, Filomena and husband Renato D'Agata, Antonio Colella, and Marisa and husband Ivo Rufo. Adored grandfather of Peter, Fabio, Davide, Christian, Adrian and Alex and great grandchildren Nicholas, Alexa, Dominic and Stella. 

 

Peter was born on January 28, 1922 in a small town of Castelvetere. He was the only child of Donato and Pasqualina Colella. At the age of 18 he was enlisted and fought in WWII. During his campaign he was captured by the British and held captive for five years. When he returned home from the war, he married and in 1949 his first son Donato was born. His first wife tragically passed shortly after. In 1951 when Donato was two years old Peter remarried Maria.

 

Peter owned and operated a very large working farm with livestock in Italy. Owning a farm was very laborious and at the time he knew that this occupation disallowed for many opportunities for his family. He and his wife Maria had seven children together. In 1961, Peter made the difficult decision to move to America to gave his family better opportunities. He worked very hard and was able to buy a home for him and his family to be together again in America. Unfortunately, tragedy ensued again. Three of his very young children passed each a year apart in Italy. Having endured so much grief Peter still had the courage to go on and persevere for his family.

 

In 1968, the he saved enough money to buy a home on Chapel Street in Newton, Massachusetts where he and Maria raised their children. In 1969, Peter and Maria were very proud to have another daughter born in America.

 

Peter worked for A Franchi Construction in the states which he enjoyed tremendously and remained employed until the age of 90. The young guys who worked alongside of him watched his meticulous work learned a great deal from his experience.

 

Being an American Citizen was something Peter was very proud of, however, he never forgot his roots and always took pride in continuing to keep up his Italian heritage and traditions. Every summer he planted an abundant garden full of vegetables, fruits, and flowers which was admired by all.

 

He and his wife Maria were married 73 years, they made homemade wine every fall, which he always said was the key to good health. He loved Maria's traditional homemade Italian food and pastries.

 

Anyone who visited Peter would often find him in his garage whittling and making wooden spoons with handles. He would carve the handles with different designs and give them as gifts to family, and friends spending hours at a time in the garage as it was a place of peace and relaxation.

 

Peter also enjoyed reading the Italian newspaper which kept him informed about the news from around the world. He was a talented accordion player, an instrument he learned to play as a child. There were many times he was asked to play at friend's weddings. His favorite was playing at family gatherings, and for the enjoyment of Italian music while everyone danced.

 

Peter was a proud member of The Sons of Italy in Newton where he always loved getting together with friends on Friday nights.

 

Humble, respectable and a chivalrous man, Peter always had a smile on his face, he loved telling jokes and making people laugh. He was a very wise man who loved spending time with his family.

 

Virtue and hard work defined Peter's character. He approached every task, no matter how small, with diligence and a commitment to excellence that was truly inspiring. He saw and experienced a lot in his amazing life of 102 years, he was selfless, noble, hardworking, full of life until the very end. He will truly be missed.

 

Family and friends will honor Peter's life by gathering at Andrew J. Magni Funeral Home, 365 Watertown St, Newton, on Wednesday July 24, from 9-11:30am. Mass following at 12:00 Noon in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458.

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Peter will be laid to rest with his beloved parents,  Donato and Pasqualina at the Calvary cemetery in Waltham. May they all rest in peace.