Cascini, Pierino "Peter"

Pierino "Peter" Cascini, 79, of Durham, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022 at Hartford Hospital. He was born in Cepagatti, Pescara (Abruzzo) Italy on January 6, 1943, the son of the late Arturo and Iolanda (Berardinelli) Cascini.

Peter's family immigrated to the United States in

1956; eventually settling in Wallingford, CT. The family opened a restaurant and bar on Route 5 in Wallingford called "Arturo's" which was a popular destination for good Italian food.

Peter served in the National Guard during the Vietnam

War and was honorably discharged. After graduating college with a bachelor's degree in Accounting and an MBA, Peter worked in the computer industry, eventually making a move into the insurance industry. He also developed an extensive tax practice over the years. Peter and his family travelled extensively to many places around the world. He had a soft spot for Italy and loved to visit family and friends in Pescara, Napoli, Salerno, and Capri.

He loved opera and enjoyed trips to the Metropolitan

Opera in NYC as well as supporting opera events throughout CT.

He had fond memories of skiing excursions in VT and NH with "the Gang."

After retirement, Peter became very active in civic organizations and town committees. He served on various Durham Town committees such as the Planning and Zoning committee, Republican Town Committee, and most recently the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee.

He was active in Durham and Middletown Exchange

Clubs, rising to President of both clubs as well as the Connecticut Region.

He was active in the B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge in Middletown and was elected twice as Exalted Ruler.

He was most proud of his work with the veteran's affairs aspect of the Elks, organizing veterans' events and ceremonies honoring veterans throughout CT. Peter is survived by the love of his life, Karen Cascini; two daughters, Deborah Beardsley of Newport, RI and Nadine Cascini of Woodbury; two granddaughters, Monica Larosa and Julia Larosa; as well as his sister, Maria Cascini of Wallingford; two nieces, Mary Tiberii (Frank Calvi) of Wallingford and Giovanna Tiberii-weller (Ron) of Meriden; extended family members in the United States and Italy; and many friends.

Peter's family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext on Monday, May 16, 2022 from 9 am until 11 am with the Elks Ritual to follow at 11 am. Interment will be in

Sacred Heart Mausoleum in Meriden.

In Lieu of flowers, send donations to the Middletown

Elks #771 Veterans Affairs.