Peter J. Passatempo passed away peacefully at the Winchester Hospital on Friday, July 26th. He was 97. Raised in Medford, he was the son of the late Pasquale and Maria Passatempo.
Peter was an outstanding athlete in his youth. His speed, agility and strength earned him three letters in varsity Baseball, Basketball and Soccer at Medford High School. He even competed in Triple-A baseball with the Red Sox organization. After graduation he was called up for military service and served in the Pacific with the Navy during World War II. After his return from military duty, he worked at the Ford assembly plant in Somerville.
When he was eligible, Peter was appointed to the Medford Police Department. A decent and hardworking officer, he was the first Italo-American to achieve rank in the department. In 1989, after a long career serving the people of his community, Peter retired at the rank of Captain. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Peter looked forward to spending time with his family and friends. Not only was he talented on the baseball diamond, Peter had all the moves on the dancefloor. He and his wife Catherine often went out with their friends for dinner and a night of ballroom dancing. He had a great sense of humor and was loved by all. A man who embodied all that was good of his generation, he will be missed by those who knew him.
The beloved husband of the late Catherine (DiBlasi) Passatempo, Peter was a devoted father to Marie Mirisola and her late husband Frank, Peter Passatempo and his wife Susan, Robert Passatempo and his wife Maureen, Ronald Passatempo and his wife Ann Marie, and Steven Passatempo and his wife Camille. He was a loving grandfather to Marissa, Matthew, Steven, Michael, Patrick, Jenna, Juliana, Gabriella, Mark, Nicholas and Jason. He was preceded in death by his dear sisters Irene, Ella and Anita.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Sunday, August 4th from 4-7 PM and again on Monday morning at 10AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in Saint Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford at 11 AM. Services will conclude with entombment at Saint Michael Cemetery, Roslindale.