Peter Edward Miceli, 89, a resident of Hopewell Junction since 1952 and formerly of Brooklyn, died on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at his home.
Born in Brooklyn on June 11, 1924, he was the son of the late John and Rose Cannistraci Miceli. Peter proudly served our country in the US Army during WWII and was the owner and operator of Empire Supply & Pools in Hopewell Junction for 40 years until his retirement in 1994. He was a parishioner of St. Columba Church in Hopewell Junction and a former member of the Kiwanis Club, Mid County Improvement Association, Joe DiMaggio Lodge Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus and Hopewell Hose Company #1. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing baseball and softball, folk art, great food, nature and gardening. He was a lover of life to the fullest degree and shared this with all who knew him.
On June 12, 1948 in Brooklyn, Peter married Ann A. Gulfo who survives at home. He is also survived by his children, Joan Muhlbauer and her husband Paul of Hopewell Junction, Carol Bartelemucci of Poughkeepsie, John Miceli and his wife Janice of Hopewell Junction, Ann Teed and her husband Stephen of LaGrangeville, Peter V. Miceli of Stormville; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Marie Lees; and his brother, Joseph Miceli.
Throughout his lifetime, Peter was an active pioneer in a growing Hopewell Junction helping develop many activities for the youth and the community. He was known as the “singing contractor” as he wowed his customers with tunes he sang from his early days of being on Broadway. Peter was in the Rogers & Hammerstein productions such as Arms and the Girl, Allegro, South Pacific and Oklahoma. He continued his singing career in local cabarets and music venues. At the age of 78, he recorded with the Cole Broderick Jazz Quartet making a music CD entitled: Life is Beautiful. His musical legacy lives on.
As passionate artists, Peter along with his wife Ann created Folk Art Fantasia, a folk art venture. They displayed and sold their sea and country crafts in the region as well as Shelter Island, NY.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Peter’s caregiver, Kwaku Kwapong, for his kindness and loving care.
Calling hours will be held on Friday from 5-8pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial donations may be made to Mill Street Loft - Arts for Healing Program, 45 Pershing Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. www.millstreetloft.org For driving directions, online condolences and memorial donations, please visit Peter’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.