Peter Joseph Syracusa Jr.

In loving memory of Peter Joseph Syracusa, Jr. who passed away at the age of 81 on February 15, 2025 with his loving daughter, Annemarie, at his side. Peter lived in Holley NY but was under Hospice Care at Rochester General Hospital when he lost his long and complicated battle with cancer, heart and lung disease. He had a strong will to live and fought with everything he had – always without complaint. Peter was a much respected and admired patient and every healthcare professional who met him became his friend.

Peter grew up on Rochester’s west side in a close-knit Italian-American family where he learned to love “good” Italian food, music, building projects, working hard and playing hard. He was a great story-teller and among his favorites were memories of his early childhood visiting his grandparents and the horses in their barn. As a teen, he was part of a rock and roll band and that music remained the playlist of his life. But when Pete shared stories from his teen years, he didn’t talk about horses, food, music or hard work. His favorite teen memories were clearly centered around girls and cars, a theme that lasted throughout his lifetime. When he and his brother, Jerry, discovered the drag races, Peter learned that he loved a fast car even more than he loved a pretty girl!

Peter’s love for cars led to a career path that brought him lasting friendships and success. His ability to build and repair cars and engines created opportunities with Hoselton Toyota and many other well-known car dealerships in Rochester. He met his close friend, Brad Schultz, in 1985 while managing the body shop at Doyle Chevrolet. Brad looks back at those days recalling that Pete made coming into work every day interesting and fun.

Peter eventually moved to Florida where his love for cars had to move over and make room for a love of boating. The Florida sunshine really agreed with him although he moved several times between Rochester and Florida. Pete’s knack for building and repairing engines was equally as skilled on a boat engine as it was on a car engine and you could usually find him tinkering on a repair for someone. Some of his proudest times boating were spent on Lake Ontario when he lived in Sodus Point, NY and served on the Coast Guard Auxiliary. From the late 1980s through 2001, Peter received countless awards and commendations from the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard in recognition of his exemplary service.

In more recent years, Peter and his brother Jerry reconnected with old friends on the race car circuit around Western NY. He had old friends everywhere he lived and easily made new friends everywhere he went. He continued to be known as a great storyteller but Peter also had a great sense of humor and could tell a great joke. People were drawn to him because he knew how to have a good time, helped whomever he could and would always lend a hand where needed.

In addition to cars and boats, Peter also loved his dogs. A special spot in his heart was always reserved for Dusty who passed away in 2005 on the same month and day that Peter died – February 15. His most recent companions were Lucky and Luci. Sadly, Lucky recently died and Peter was not well enough to care for Luci. He often expressed his gratitude to the Boscoe family, dear friends who adopted Luci and kept up with Peter sending pictures and reports on how well she was doing.

Peter was the third child born to Peter and Annette (Sparviero) Syracusa and he made his appearance at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester NY on June 10, 1943 at 3:46 pm. Besides his parents, Peter was predeceased by his sister, Mary Wilms, his brother, Anthony, his son, Joseph and his grandson, PJ. Peter is survived by his sister, Jeanne (Bill) Haveron, his brother, Jerome, and by his children, Peter J. Syracusa III (Mark D. Friend), Christine Syracusa, Annemarie Hermance and Michael Syracusa. Peter was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Not surprising that the last stories Peter greatly enjoyed telling were about his family. Peter will also be sadly missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins and countless close and dear friends, including Amanda Baccari, Brad Schultz, Rosie Kinslow and Maryann Manion.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on April 9, 2025 at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Rd. Pittsford NY 14534.