He was an avid gardener, best known for his hundreds of tulips. A carefully tended vegetable garden yielded an abundance of fruits and vegetables which he generously shared with friends and neighbors. His fig tree was one of his most prized possessions. A member of the Italian Air Force during WWII he recounted many stories, his favorite being those of Mussolini that one will never read in a history book. Peter married Tanina DiPiazza in September 1950 and immigrated to the U.S. in 1951. He attended Angela Branciforte’s citizenship classes where proudly became a U.S. citizen. His culinary skills and love of cooking filled the home with the aroma of spaghetti sauce, bread, pies, etc. After retirement from LeCesse Construction he enjoyed many years of traveling, most often to visit relatives abroad. As a long time member of Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s Church) he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and Monsignor Kirby’s group, a very devout Catholic with special prayers to the Blessed Mother. He will be greatly missed at weekly Sunday dinners where a place left vacant at the table will be filled by wonderful memories of him in his family’s hearts.
A special thank you to the visiting nurses, especially Shirley and Laura along with his caretaker Julie and her “little girl” Anna Maria who lovingly cared for him for many years.
Peter is survived by his devoted daughter and son in law; Marguerite and Epi Badami as well as the joys of his life, grandsons; Vinnie, Peter and Michael Badami. Additionally his “granddaughters” Crystal and Lexia Davis who full filled his desire to remain in his home for the past five years.
There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a 10:45AM Mass of Christian Burial that will be held on Saturday August 13, 2016 at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s) 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020. He will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance 16 Bank St. in Batavia, Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. in Batavia or Roswell Park Cancer Institute Elm and Carlton Streets Buffalo, NY 14263 (where he was successfully treated and became a cancer survivor for over 40 years). For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020
