Peter L. Deangelis, Sr. Obituary (2020)

Peter L DeAngelis, Sr., of Philadelphia on August 30, 2020 at the age of 97. Beloved husband for 73 years of Concetta (nee Ippolito). Devoted father of Anthony DeAngelis (Frances), Margherita Whitman, Peter DeAngelis, Jr. (Patricia). Adored grandfather of Christina DeAngelis, Maria Fernando (Rohan), Tricia Kelley (Robert), Lisa Kinneman (David), and Laura Whitman (Tracey). Proud great-grandfather of Jackson, Natalie, Leo, Lorelei, Chiara, Adeline, Kai, and Honor. Although born a US Citizen, Peter spent his childhood in Ortona a Mare, Italy on the Adriatic Sea and later in Rome with his parents, Giovanni, and Margherita DeAngelis. He returned to the United States to Philadelphia at the age of 17 with his late brother, John. He began work at D'Alonzo's as a tailor, where he was employed over the course of the next 45 years, and where he also met his wife, Connie. Even after retirement, Peter worked in private tailoring until his mid-80s. His wife Connie said Peter had "hands of gold." He made everything from suits for his sons, to Halloween costumes for his grandkids to curtains for everyone's homes. He used scissors for everything, including cutting pizza, a tradition that has held with most of his family. He honorably served in the US Army's 121st Signal Radio Intelligent Company during World War II in the European and African/Middle Eastern Campaigns. Peter was a faithful Roman Catholic and prayed daily, sitting on the edge of his bed every morning and every night. He had an incredible work ethic, and desired to complete all tasks to the absolute best of his ability. Having had limited education himself, Peter impressed on his children and grandchildren the value of education and was never as proud as when they graduated from various universities and with advanced degrees. Peter was devoted to his family, his 5 granddaughters with whom he and Connie spent much time, taking them as far as Hershey Park and as near as the 7-Eleven for candy and Slurpee's. His natural response to their "I love you, Grandpop" was always, "I love you more." As a young man, Peter enjoyed spending time with his brothers-in-law playing poker, Pokeno, and bocce ball. As his children were growing up, he became a band father for Anthony at Father Judge, a proud audience member at Marg's theatrical productions at St. Hubert's, and an avid spectator at Peter's baseball games at Father Judge and then LaSalle University. In later years, he would proudly watch his granddaughters play soccer, field hockey and lacrosse at LaSalle, as well as perform in concerts and shows. He never missed an important event. As his grandchildren became adults, he became "Grandpop" to their friends and eventually their own husbands and wives. Peter loved animals and was Grandpop & Great-Grandpop for many fur-babies as well. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, hardly ever missing a Phillies game. He and Connie loved taking Sunday afternoon trips to the casinos in Atlantic City. While Connie never left the casino, he would play his video poker and then go outside to be in the sun and look at the sea, which he always loved. Peter died peacefully and ready to meet his Lord. Every day he said, "whenever God wants me, I am ready." And that is who he was, a gentle soul who accepted each moment for the blessing it was. Peter was grateful for all the goodness and love in his life. He led the prayers at every family dinner, reminding his family to be thankful, to always hold each other close, and their moments together, dear. Relatives and Friends are invited to attend his Viewing and Funeral Thursday, September 3, 2020 9:15 - 10:15 AM at St. Matthew Church (Upper) 3000 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19149 followed by his Funeral Mass 10:30 AM. Entombment Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warriors Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 would be appreciated.