Peter J. Lavitola
Peter J. Lavitola of Monroe, CT, beloved husband of Juliana, passed away on May 26, 2018 in CT Hospice, Branford with his loving family by his side. Born on March 28, 1942 in Jersey City, NJ, he was the son of the late Peter and Grace Lavitola.
Peter attended Saint Peter’s Prep where he was a 1960 graduate and went on to graduate from Manhattan College of Engineering in 1964. He received his Master’s degree from the Newark School of Engineering. Eaton Corp. employed him until his retirement in 1999.
Peter made many friends throughout his childhood and adult life who he truly loved. He will always be remembered for his infinite wisdom, humor and deep love of family, friends and the opera. He fell in love with opera 50 years ago on January 1, 1968 when he saw his first opera ‘ La Boheme’. It was very moving to see him take his final breath while listening to the last note of La Boheme as it played on a CD next to his bedside.
Peter was predeceased by his first wife, Veronica of 30 years, after which he fell in love again with his surviving wife of 20 years, Juliana. His nephew, Jeffery Kenny, also predeceased him.
He grew to love the United Methodist Church and served in both HUMC and NUMC where he was very active.
Besides Juliana, he is survived by his daughters; Robin Rivera and Wendy ( James) Richard Sr., son; John ( Lisa) Litts; eight grandchildren; Jason ( April) DeLuca of Alabama, Lindsay ( Art) Thayer, James ( Anya) Richard Jr., of Massachusetts, Kaytlyn Richard and her fiancé Zack Albert, Rachel Rivera, Jake Litts, Elise Rivera, and Courtney Litts, two great- grandchildren; Arthur James ( AJ) Thayer, and Caroline Drew DeLuca, sister; Madeline Kenny of New Jersey; nephew Brian ( Janice, Brooke, Mattie) Kenny of New Jersey and cousin Marie ( James) Faccone of Arizona. Plus many other very close friends, nieces and nephews and relatives who love him deeply.
Friends are invited to attend the memorial service to celebrate Peter’s life held on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 11 a. m. in Nichols United Methodist Church, 35 Shelton Road, Trumbull, CT, followed by a reception in fellowship hall. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 or Nichols United Methodist Church.