Peter Cangelosi Sr.

PETER CANGELOSI, SR. left us on Friday, the 7th of January 2011, but the cherished memories and the love that he impressed upon so many of us will never be lost. Peter now rests peacefully, embracing his loving parents, Donato and Virginia, who brought him into this world on the 20th of December 1924, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The world's first glimpse of this man's wonderful journey was that of a hard-working boy, selling ice cream on the streets of Bryan, Texas. As recent immigrants from Sicily, the struggling Cangelosi family was bound by the vision of its American dream and the diligence required attaining it. Every nickel from every sale went from his pocket to his parents at the end of the day to help pay bills. This is the diligence, respect and devotion to family that would define Peter for decades to come.

As Peter grew into a handsome young man, he answered the call of his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Hawaii during World War II.

In June of 1951, Peter wed Marceline Pinto in Houston, Texas. It was the beginning of an era that Peter would agree was the most significant of his storied life, as for the next sixty years he proved to be a pillar of strength, inspiration and love for the new family that was now being forged. He pursued successful careers in both pharmaceutical sales and as the owner of a landscaping company. Never once did Peter yield to the demands of long hours, travel and stress, as every ounce of energy he put into his work was to benefit those whom he loved.

Family was first and foremost to Peter, but he also took pleasure in travelling, weekend trips to Galveston, laughing and sharing in laughter with others, playing blackjack, and offering his assistance to those in need.

He is survived by four children who were fortunate to call him “Dad;” Thomas and his wife Trish, Pete Jr. and his wife Judy, Donna Pace and her husband John, and Virginia Trevino and her husband Mike. He is also survived by five grandchildren who made him grin ear-to-ear when calling for “PaPa;” David, Lauren, Peter Michael, Chad Bruns and Michael Bruns and his wife Kristie, as did his two great-grand children, Kyla and Luke Bruns.

After years of showing relentless strength and courage in the fight against various ailments, Peter was able to rejoin his beloved parents and late brother Tony. His surviving brothers, Vito and his wife Nancy, and Carlo, were at his side, along with his wife Marceline (whose strength is equal to that of Peter’s), until the very end. Children, grandchildren, nephews and friends were also with Peter, comforting him trough his final hours with prayer. He was showered with that same love and care that he had given to them throughout his remarkable life.

“We will love you always!”

The family wishes to acknowledge and offer their heartfelt gratitude to Kevin Washington, with All Nursing Home Health Services, Incorporated, for the remarkable care and comfort he provided Peter.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening, on Tuesday, the 11th of January, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where a recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at half-past six o’clock.

A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 12th of January, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway in Houston.

Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Jamail Family Center.

The Rite of Committal will follow, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.