Peter was born on April 2, 1930 and survived polio at a very young age. The polio affected his life profoundly however he lived with grace and dignity and did not complain. In spite of the weakness in his legs and lungs, his love of life was evident and shared with all, especially his wife Claire Doris Tripp. In 1953 they married and together they built a beautiful family having three children and six grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was in the National Guard and then joined the Portland Fire Department, working his way up to Lt. and leading the very first Portland Rescue squad. The second half of his working career was spent in several of his own businesses , one of which was with brothers Edward and Joseph, at Anania’s Variety. Before joining them at the Congress St. store, Peter worked at the Newbury Street Market store in the neighborhood where he grew up. He loved being there. After his retirement he and Claire enjoyed travel and leisure time with friends and family, with many trips to Aruba and Florida. As his health declined, he continued to visit with friends and family at every opportunity. He lived his last years at the Barron Center where he continued to make friends. His courage, grace, humor and kindness was appreciated by all who met him.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Claire; by his brother Joseph and his sisters Vivian Parker and Linda Burwell of Corpus Christie, TX; his three children, Marianina and husband Michael Boss , Peter and wife Patricia (Kendrick), Christopher and wife Kim (Monzeglio); his six grandchildren Dylan Boss, Sarah Nadeau and husband Raymond, Alyssa, Peter and fiancée Alyson Lumino, Charles and Samuel; one great grandchild Owen Nadeau; and numerous nieces and nephews to whom he was very close and loved dearly .
Peter is preceded in death by his parents; Pietro and Linda (Delmonte); as well as 3 brothers Antonio, Emerico and Edward, who was also his best friend, and 1 sister Marianina Vassallo.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Barron Center who gave him so much love and attention. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Portland, 277 Cumberland Avenue, Portland Maine, 04101, where he spent many happy hours in his youth.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Monday, August 3, 2015 at Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A funeral will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, August 4th at Woodford’s Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St. Portland.
Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Peter’s online guest book
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