Obituary of Peter A Como

Peter A. Como, 85, passed away at Morristown Memorial Hospital on May 5, 2010. Born in New York City, Peter resided in Staten Island before relocating to Pompton Plains NJ last year. Mr. Como worked as a clothing salesman for various retailers including Wallach's and Barney's New York before retiring in 1993. Peter enjoyed playing cards, particularly pinochle and poker and he was affectionately dubbed "sneaky Pete" by the family. He was also fond of horseracing, which was a lifetime passion of his. He grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan where he had fond memories of friends and family, and of meeting the love of his life, Jean. Early on, Pete's dad,(who emigrated from Sicily), introduced him to a love of the sea and fishing. His dad owned a 45ft. boat on which he chartered fishing trips, and Pete would tell his family stories of those days off the pier in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn, especially when WWII broke out and they had to patrol the coast for the government. He was an active member of the American Legion-Huntter Pasqualini, Post 1367, on Staten Island. He also enjoyed planting an annual vegetable garden and was particularly proud of his fig trees. Pete loved spending time with his grandchildren and most recently, he found great joy in socializing with his new friends at the Cedar Crest Community in NJ. Peter is survived by his three children, James, Terry and Jo Ellen Racioppo. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Emma and Eric and brother, Nat Como. He was predeceased by his wife Jean Como in 1991. Visitation will be held on Monday May 10, 2010 2-4 and 7-9PM at the Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge NJ. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday May 11, 2010 at 10AM at The Church of St. Rose of Lima, 50 Short Hills Ave, Short Hills, NJ followed by burial at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Ave, Staten Island NY. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Legion-Huntter Pasqualini, Post 1367, 411 Cromwell Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305 or the American Diabetes Association-New Jersey NJ Office, CenterPointe II, Suite 103, 1160 Route 22 East, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.