Pietro "Peter" Segalini

October 27, 1952 – April 14, 2025

Pietro (Peter) Segalini, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted public servant, passed away suddenly on April 14, 2025, of a heart attack. He was 72 years old.

Born on October 27, 1952, in Vidonico, a village of Bettola in the province of Piacenza, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Peter moved with his mother Ada, father Salvatore, and brother Sergio to the United States in 1966 at the age of 13. He grew up in the neighborhoods of Little Italy and Chinatown in lower Manhattan. He graduated from Seward Park High School and attended Bronx Community College, part of the City University of New York. During his high school and college years, he was actively involved in cultural organizations—serving as president of the Italian Club—and played organized soccer with several teams throughout the tri-state area.

At the age of 21, Peter took a break from academics to pursue job opportunities and begin a career in computer technology. He worked with several private companies before joining the NYC Human Resources Administration / Department of Social Services (HRA/DSS) in 1985, taking on the challenges of public service in his new home city. He brought passion, dedication, and technical expertise to his work and earned numerous professional certifications throughout his career.

In 1989, alongside fellow Italian American colleagues and coworkers, Peter co-founded the HRA/DSS Columbia Association, promoting camaraderie and respect among Italian-American colleagues and celebrating Italian heritage. Under his leadership, the group joined the National Council of Columbia Associations in Civil Service in 1990, where he later served as President. He was a tireless advocate for cultural understanding, education, and the fight against discrimination. He also worked actively to preserve the legacy of Cristoforo Colombo.

Throughout his career, Peter and his colleagues in public service answered the call during some of New York City’s most difficult times. Following the September 11 attacks, he and his team were deployed to install computers and telecommunications systems across the city to provide support, distribute public assistance, and gather critical data. He also played a vital role during the 2003 blackout, Hurricane Sandy, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic—helping to equip over 18,000 HRA/DSS staff with the tools needed to work remotely and support vulnerable New Yorkers.

Peter’s contributions were recognized with many honors, including the distinguished Piacentini nel Mondo award from the Province of Piacenza in 2009 for his public service and active connection to his country of origin; the Excellence in IT Service & Support Award from the City of New York; and various proclamations and certificates from U.S. senators and local officials. He also served as the immediate past President of the Società Val Trebbia e Val Nure, a 75-year-old nonprofit that has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to Italian-American students. In this role, he further strengthened ties among Italian communities across Italy, England, France, Canada, and South America.

Peter shared a loving 49-year marriage with his wife, Maria, and was a proud father to Diego (and his wife, Daria) and Valentina. His children were raised in a deeply Italian home in Brooklyn, speaking the language fluently and often returning to Italy to experience the richness of their roots. In recent years, Peter found his greatest joy in his grandchildren, Giulio (12) and Rita (5), passing on his love for Italian culture, language, and tradition. A devoted Catholic, he attended Mass every Sunday and carried his faith with quiet strength throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Maria; his children, Diego (Daria) and Valentina; his grandchildren, Giulio and Rita; and his brother, Sergio (Raynette). He is also remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends both in the United States and Italy.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 from 2PM-5PM and 7PM-9PM at Cusimano & Russo Funeral Home, 2005 W 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 10AM at St. Edmund's Roman Catholic Church, 1902 Avenue T, Brooklyn, NY 11229.

Interment to follow at The Green-Wood Cemetery, 25th Street (Main Entrance at 5th Avenue), Brooklyn, NY 11232.