Peter Cipriani

Peter Cipriani

Peter Cipriani, age 96, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Sunrise of Presque Isle Bay. Peter was born in Erie Pa, on November 24, 1921, son of the late Lorenzo and Vittoria Fontana Cipriani. He travelled to his parents' hometown of Sezze, Italy, along with his mother and younger sister Elda, when he was 3 years old. Peter grew up and was educated in Sezze, returning to the US after 15 years, in 1938.

Pete began working at Hammermill Paper Company, before being called into a 4 year service for the Air Force in 1942. When his military service ended, he returned to Hammermill. He joined Erie Insurance in 1951, under the guiding influence of founder H.O. Hirt. Pete went on to leave a lasting legacy at ERIE as a profound mentor and a leader, retiring after 35 yrs. as Senior Vice President of underwriting.

Pete was married for 68 years to the love of his life, Antonette (Palmisano). He met a woman who equally shared his love of Art, Classical Music, Literature, and Opera. Pete and "Toni" traveled the world together and were dedicated to each other.

It is difficult to summarize everything that Pete was. He was a true patriarch, an extraordinary husband, father and Nonno. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and believed in living life to the fullest. He was passionate about Italian Football (Roma!) and he was an avid golfer. He loved Italian food and especially Toni's pasta. One of his greatest joys was to be at the ocean, as he would say that the ocean cures everything. Every family vacation began and ended there, walking at sunrise and sitting by the shores at sunset, and the family will continue the tradition in his memory always.

In addition to his parents, Peter was preceded in death by his sister Elda Cipriani, and his son in law Gregory "Olie" Olson.

He will be forever missed by his wife Toni, and his 6 children; Dario Cipriani (Donna), Nina Burkhardt (Dennis), Paula Baughman (Bill), Linda Olson, Marc Cipriani (Nancy) and Michael Cipriani (Sherree).

Nonno was adored by his 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; Kristen, Tania, Matthew, Marc, Michael, Rachel, Laura, Danielle, Maria, Alicia, Ashley, Anton, Andrea, John, Anna, Gabriella, Sarah, Landon and Gianna.

The family would like to thank the Sunrise staff for taking such good care of Pete (Nonno).

Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Paul RC Church, 1617 Walnut Street, on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.. Private entombment will be at Mary, Queen of Peach Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Neighborhood Free Clinic, 1602 Walnut Street, Erie, PA 16502 and the H.O. Hirt Scholarship Fund, Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th Street, Erie, PA 16507