Peter Robert Gareri, 91, died peacefully on April 9, 2012 after a long and full life.
He was born on May 10, 1920 in Watertown, MA to the late Nicholas and Julia Gareri. On October 12, 1948, one of the happiest days of his life, he married his beloved Helen (nee Lund) Gareri and spent the next 59 years devoted to her until her death in 2007. He and his wife began their family of four children in Cambridge, MA, later moving to Woburn, and then in 1962, settled in Danvers, MA where they lived for many years. Upon retirement, he and his wife enjoyed their time living in Centerville on Cape Cod and then in the wine country in Sonoma, CA, near their oldest daughter and son-in-law. But he always considered Danvers his "home" and he and his wife returned there in 2003.
He served his country bravely and proudly overseas in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon his return he became a printer and worked for many years in that trade. He was known for his love of golf, intermittent affection for the Boston Red Sox and an engaging sense of humor which kept family and friends continually amused with his wry and delightful observations about life. He always enjoyed good food, especially his favorite Italian foods, and in his retirement took up cooking in earnest, quickly becoming the family’s finest chef.
He is survived by his sister Janet Gagnon, daughter Elaine Kenney and son-in-law Bob Kenney of Sonoma, CA, son Peter Gareri Jr., son Paul Gareri and daughter-in-law Cathy of Danvers, MA, devoted daughter Jean Avallon of Peabody, MA, grandson Korey Avallon and great-granddaughter Lacey and many nieces and nephews.
He was a kind and gracious man who was much loved by all who knew him and will be profoundly missed and remembered with great affection, especially by his children as well as by his and his wife’s life-long treasured friends, Joe and Rose Broderick of Groton, MA. His family would like to thank all the staff of Rosewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Peabody, MA for their generous and heartfelt care and support.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9AM on Thursday, April 12, 2012 in St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Dover, NH. Vst hrs are Wed. from 4-7PM at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers.