Harry Peitavino, 88, of New Bedford, died Wednesday, June 22, 2011 of complications from Parkinson's Disease. Harry was the beloved husband for sixty-three wonderful years to Mary (Maccini) Peitavino and the loving father of Janet Peitavino. He was the son of the late Silvio and Rose (Risso) Peitavino.
Born and raised in New Bedford, he attended Rodman School and New Bedford Vocational School. Harry worked for a short time at Precision Manufacturing in Fall River before entering the military and serving overseas in the British West Indies with the 23rd MN Ordinance Company. Upon his return, he was employed at the Continental Screw Company for thirty-seven years as a First Class Toolmaker and served as an officer of the Credit Union. When the Continental Screw Company relocated out of state, Harry went on to work at the Newport Underwater Service Center from which he retired.
Harry was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church, where he served as secretary of the Men's League. He was also a member of the Italian American Veterans Post 25, the Andrews-Dahill Post 1531 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the New Bedford Vocational School Alumni Association. In his spare time, Harry was an avid bowler and golfer.
Harry was the brother-in-law of Alice Franceschi, Marilyn and Joseph Maccini, Claire Maccini, and Robert Maccini. He was the brother of the late Eugene Peitavino, and brother-in-law of the late Louis and Lillian Bono, Shirley Maccini, Joseph Franceschi, and Frances Peitavino. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
With his quick wit and his great sense of humor, Harry always made friends and family smile and laugh whenever they were in his company. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 8:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to The Schwartz Center for Children, (for the Tina Kasinger Fund), One Posa Place, Dartmouth, MA 02747 or to a charity of one's choice. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.