Peter Ralph Durante, Sr., 74, of Northford, former long time resident of New Haven, passed away Monday, October 29, 2012 at the Hospital of St. Raphael, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Louise Rossi Durante. Born in New Haven on December 8, 1937; son of the late Emil and Nellie Palmieri Durante. Peter was Director of the Housing Code Enforcement for the City of New Haven for many years and later was the City of New Haven Director of Public Works until his retirement. Peter was an avid New York Yankees and Giants fan; enjoyed horse racing, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his loving grandsons, always making an effort to attend their extra curricular activities regardless of his health. Father of Denise (Robert) Wentworth of Northford and Peter (Tina) Durante, Jr. of North Haven. Grandfather of Christopher and Zachary Wentworth, Peter Jacob Durante and Gabriel Durante. Brother of Rose (Louis) Proto of Hamden. Son-in-law of Al and Tillie Rossi of Orange. Brother-in-law of Bill and Berta Girasuolo, John and Marie Rossi all of Orange. Also survived by nieces and nephews.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Saturday morning at 10:45. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church at 11:30. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 8 pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Father McGivney Cancer Center, 1450 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511.
Durante Family – We lost one of the best in Big Pete. We are left with many fond memories; he will certainly never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We love you…
Peter & Family, so sorry to hear of your loss..my thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Lisa Martin
I’m in Florida at the moment and regret that I can’t pay my respects in person. Please be assured of my prayers for Pete and all his family. He was a kind and good man and the world is the worse without him. I will have Mass said for him by the Franciscan missionaries. Requiescat in pace.
Peter and Tina and family, please accept our deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
Pete, Tina, PJ & Gabriel – Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The Fusco Family – Dave, Angelina, Dominic, Alphonse & Antonio.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. May you cherish all the wonderful memories and hold them close to your heart. He will be waiting with open arms to greet you all some day! Love to you all!
Thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the entire Durante family. We are thinking of you all at this difficult time.
the McCreven Family – Sean, Kim, Nick & Jake
Pete – My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I’m sending you a big hug.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers to all of Uncle Pete’s Family. Especially to Aunt Louise, Pete Jr. and Denise and their families and Aunt Rosie, Uncle Lou, cousin John and cousin Lisa. It seems like yesterday all the wonderful times and visits to Blake Street to the Durante home base.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Durante family. May he rest in peace.
Pete and Family – words cannot express how sad I was to hear of your Dad passing away. He was taken from all of you too early. May wonderful memories that you shared help in this time of sorrow. My deepest sympathy.
Pete, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Louise, Peter and Denise,
We were so very sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. We were looking forward to seeing him at the party and know that he was looking forward to it also. However, God had different plans for Pete and needed him in Heaven. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that you have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We have so many happy memories from the days when you lived across the street from us that we will never forget. Pete is at peace now and is no longer suffering from any ailments.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Louise, Denise, Petey, and families – Pete and all of you occupy a special place in my heart. We shared many happy times that I will never forget. Pete was such a good guy . . . My family and I want to express our deepest sorrow at your loss and wish you peace.
The day has ended and as I sit here to reflect it all seems like a bad dream. As I walked through the dream it seemed so clouded and the support of family and friends carried us through. But now the reality of your physical being is no longer and I wish nothing but to have another conversation with you or to hear your voice once again. You suffered so very much and my heart aches for that but it also is enlightened to know your pain is no longer. Rest in peace my loving Dad. I will miss you dearly and will hold you close to my heart always. Thank you for all you brought to my life. I am so grateful and honored to be your daughter. xoxo
Louise & family, My heartfelt sympathy is extended to all of you during this time of sorrow. Peter was a great husband, father and granddad. He was a wonderful friend to many of us who worked with him on countless campaigns. My love and prayers are with all of you. Remember he is always with you in your thoughts and memories. May he rest in peace and shine his love down upon all of you.
The Durante Family – My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time.
Our brother-in-law was a man who endured pain thru his life at too early an age. he never would tell you how he was really feeling. Doing ok was his respond to you when you asked him. He loved peach pie and chocolate covered cherries. If you asked him for a favor he would be more than happy to do whatever he could for you. His love for his family was a twinkle in his eyes and a heart over flowing with love. We will truly miss him, and we will keep him close to our hearts always. God Bless his family and his devoted wife, my sister.
Some boys have mentors as they grow up; some have idols that they look up to in life. Some have teachers and some have heroes. Some would say they never had any of these people in their life, but I can say I had all of these things wrapped into one person – my Dad. And most of all, a father who became a friend in my adult life. I may have never specifically asked for his advice, but I would hold onto every word he said. He was my compass in life, my confidant and most of all, my friend. You will always be in my heart and never forgotten and most of all – you will always be my compass in life. Until we meet again – I will miss you my good friend. I love you, -Peter Jr.