Peter Pace

Peter "Pietro" Pace, 67, of New Britain, who was a most beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Friday July 17, 2009 surrounded by his immediate family at Hartford Hospital after a heart-related illness. Peter was born on July 20, 1941 in the Town of Turi, Province of Bari, Region of La Puglia, Italy. He was the son of the late Matteo Vito Pace and Angela Cistulli Pace. He was educated in Italy, and in June 1962 at the age of 21 he emigrated to the United States. In August 1966, he married his beloved and devoted wife, Maria L. Spada Pace, with whom he enjoyed almost 43 years of marriage. Maria, who was also born in Turi, Italy, was the love of Peter's life. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1966-68 and the U.S. Army Reserve from 1968-72. He was employed for 29 years by the Fafnir Bearing Company in New Britain and Newington and for 11 years by Virginia Industries Inc. the Hartford Ball Bearing Co. in Rocky Hill. In addition, he worked a second evening job for 20 years at Macristy Industries, Inc. in New Britain. He retired in 2002, and in his retirement he enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family and friends, cooking Italian food, and tending his garden and plants. He was a member of St. Ann's Church, New Britain, and the Generale Ameglio Italian Civic Association. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria, of New Britain; a daughter, Angela Correia of Yorktown Heights, NY; a son, Matthew "Matteo" Pace of New Britain; a son, Attorney Vincent Pace of Berlin, CT; a granddaughter, Gabrielle Correia of Yorktown Heights, NY; three sisters: Aurelia, Maria and her husband Lorenzo of Turi, Italy, and Elizabeth and her husband Pasquale of Calabria, Italy. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Angela Pace of Plainville and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins in the United States and Italy. Peter and Maria emphasized the importance of education and they made many sacrifices in order to send their children to Catholic secondary schools, college and graduate school. Through his words and actions, throughout his life he instilled in his family the importance of hard work, integrity, respect and personal responsibility. He will also be remembered by all those who knew him for his strong work ethic, perseverance, loyalty, compassion, generosity, wonderful sense of humor, and zest for life. His family misses him more than words can express. Peter's family will receive relatives and friends during calling hours on Tues., July 21, from 4-8 p.m. at the Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 South Main St., New Britain 860-229-5676. Family and friends will gather on Wed., July 22, at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home for a procession to St. Ann's Church, 47 Clark Street, New Britain 860-225-7625, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Following the Mass, entombment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, 1309 Stanley St., New Britain.