Obituary of Peter J. Monitello

 age 78, Pine City, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 2, 2018.  Pete was born February 5, 1940, in Elmira, to Sam and Rose (Punzo) Monitello.  In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sister Josephine Monitello, and his brother and sister-in-law, Nicholas and Rita Monitello.  Pete is survived by his wife of 53 years Margaret “Peggy” (Farmer) Monitello, daughter Mary Jo Owen with Scott Supa of Elmira, son Mark P. (Holly) Monitello of Naperville, IL, and grandson Curtis Owen with Serena Lattimer of Athens, PA.  Also surviving are sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Judy (Warren) Elvin, Charles Farmer, Joan Trampenau, Thomas (Regina) Farmer, Jean (Walter) Becker, Patricia (James) Infantine, Carol Farmer, Karen Robbins and Susan (Paul) Mason, many nieces, nephews, including special nephews, Bob and Nick Monitello of Ohio, cousins and friends.  Pete graduated from Elmira Free Academy.  He worked first for A. Winkelstein, Inc. Wholesale Jeweler, then retired from Nabisco Brands with 32 years of service as a District Sales Representative.  He served six years with the United States Army Reserves.  A communicant of Blessed Sacrament Parish (formerly St. Anthony’s Church), Pete served his parish on the Parish Council, as a Trustee and member of the Finance Committee for over 40 years.  He also served on the Finance Committee of Holy Family School for many years.  Pete was a life member of the Italian American Veterans Club, having been their youngest Chairman of the Board of Governors, and also served as Asst. Treasurer.  He was also a member of Elmira Elks Lodge #62, the Elmira Heights American Legion Post 154, and Ridgebury Sportsmen’s Club.  In his healthy years Pete enjoyed a good drink and a fine cigar, working in his lawn and flower beds, playing bocce, golf and traveling.  Our sincere thanks to CareFirst for their care of Pete and support to our family. Family and friends are invited to visit McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Monday, June 4, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Pete’s Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at St. Mary’s Church,  224 Franklin St., Elmira.  Interment, with committal prayers will follow at St. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers Pete requested donations to Holy Family School, 1010 Davis St., Elmira, NY 14901. Officers and members of the I.A.V. will meet at McInerny Funeral Home on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. to conduct a service for our brother, Pete.  Signed, Geno Dunn, Commander.