We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Peter's passing. I've known Peter since the day Mary Ann and Phil brought him home from the hospital! Living 2 houses away, our family and the Giannelli's and Basile's were like one big extended family. Almost every day I was at one of their houses or in the back yards. When Pete was little, his nickname was “Snowball”, and later we used to tease him by saying “Gus the Ghost” lived above Grandpa Tony's garage.
Every time I saw Peter, he'd laughingly remind me that when I babysat for them, I used to make PB&J sandwiches, which he claimed were horrible because I squished the bread when I cut the sandwiches! I remember when my mother used to take care of him, he run into the cellar and out the back cellar door to the yard. Poor Ma could never catch him, so I always helped!!
Every time we came back to Windsor Locks, we'd ALWAYS visit our dear neighbors / friends, and of course, stop by the garage to see the boys. So glad we were there in Sept. We will never forget Pete's laugh and how he loved to joke around. The whole Giannelli family came to NH for our church wedding 20+ years ago--when we walked back down the aisle after the Ceremony and Mass, all the WL friends were wearing Groucho Marx glasses with big noses! We laughed so hard we barely made it to the back of the church. What a great sense of humor...I suspect it was Pete that spearheaded this!!
I wish that we were able to join you all to send him off in style, but we are unable to be there, nor brother Bill in St. Petersburg, so sisters Kathy and Mary Ann will represent the Meehan family.
As hard as it is to cope with the immediate grief, at least he didn't suffer with a long illness. He went quickly, when God called him. Just think of the “Reunions” in heaven....Phil, Anna and Tony and other relatives and friends have welcomed him with open arms. I'm sure he's getting reacquainted with Tommy and Jimmy, and the rest of the Meehan clan, too.
All of you have very special memories of Peter throughout the years, and these thoughts will help sustain and comfort you in the times ahead. We send love, prayers and lots of hugs to ALL of you. We'll be there in spirit. And we will ALL meet again one day for a gigantic reunion, for all eternity.
LOVE TO ALL, Eileen Meehan and Frank Leffman, Summerfield, FL
Eileen Meehan & Frank Leffman - Wednesday January 31, 2018 via Condolence Message