Obituary for Peter S. Calabretta
Peter S. Calabretta passed away on February 14, 2021 following a brief but very difficult fight with cancer. He is survived by his wife Deanna, daughter Nicole, and son Jesse. Pete is also survived by a sister, Cathy Calabretta of Windsor, a brother, Fred Calabretta and his wife Claire of Ledyard, six nieces and nephews, and his brother-in-law Rick Swenson. Pete was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Leila Calabretta and his sisters, Bonnie and Debbie.
Pete grew up in Bloomfield and subsequently lived in Woodstock and then Vernon. Pete’s family, relatives, and friends were of utmost importance to him. Despite a succession of health challenges Pete kept his sense of humor and was always generous in helping and supporting family members in various ways – often stopping in for visits with a home-cooked meal in hand.
Another constant in Pete’s life was his love of music. He played drums when he was a teen and the guitar in later years. He was an excellent cook and worked professionally in the field. It was an activity he continued to enjoy at home throughout his life. Pasta sauce with meatballs and chocolate cream pies were among the favorites greatly appreciated by his family and friends. His cooking skills extended outdoors, where he excelled at grilling.
In his early 30s Pete began to suffer with hip issues that resulted in six hip replacement surgeries over the years. This affected his mobility and forced him to give up a successful business he had established as a building contractor, but it didn’t stop him from getting out and doing the things he loved. He went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in culinary arts from Manchester Community College.
Fishing became a favorite activity and something he enjoyed throughout his life. He also loved his family’s summer visits to New Hampshire – a tradition that continued for many years.
In addition to cooking and fishing one of Pete’s favorite summer pastimes was keeping a vegetable garden. Every year it brought great results which benefitted his immediate family and also others who welcomed the bags of veggies he generously shared.
Pete will be missed in many ways, but especially for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and ability to overcome adversity.
A memorial service will be held at a later date
Pete grew up in Bloomfield and subsequently lived in Woodstock and then Vernon. Pete’s family, relatives, and friends were of utmost importance to him. Despite a succession of health challenges Pete kept his sense of humor and was always generous in helping and supporting family members in various ways – often stopping in for visits with a home-cooked meal in hand.
Another constant in Pete’s life was his love of music. He played drums when he was a teen and the guitar in later years. He was an excellent cook and worked professionally in the field. It was an activity he continued to enjoy at home throughout his life. Pasta sauce with meatballs and chocolate cream pies were among the favorites greatly appreciated by his family and friends. His cooking skills extended outdoors, where he excelled at grilling.
In his early 30s Pete began to suffer with hip issues that resulted in six hip replacement surgeries over the years. This affected his mobility and forced him to give up a successful business he had established as a building contractor, but it didn’t stop him from getting out and doing the things he loved. He went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in culinary arts from Manchester Community College.
Fishing became a favorite activity and something he enjoyed throughout his life. He also loved his family’s summer visits to New Hampshire – a tradition that continued for many years.
In addition to cooking and fishing one of Pete’s favorite summer pastimes was keeping a vegetable garden. Every year it brought great results which benefitted his immediate family and also others who welcomed the bags of veggies he generously shared.
Pete will be missed in many ways, but especially for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and ability to overcome adversity.
A memorial service will be held at a later date