Peter V. Baccelli, 61, of East Freetown, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, September 15, 2011. He had waged a long brave battle with cancer. Peter was the beloved husband of Susan Gwozdz Baccelli for 29 years and the father of Peter V. Baccelli, Jr. and Nikolas J. Baccelli, both of East Freetown. He was the son of the late Ferdinand J. and Elena (Gagliardi) Baccelli.
Born and raised in New Bedford, Peter graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School where he earned his varsity letter in football. His love of sports continued the rest of his life and he was an avid fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins. After graduation Peter joined the U. S. Navy and distinguished himself during his three tours of duty in Vietnam. He earned many medals and ribbons during his ten years of service and a commendation for saving the life of his commanding officer during a boiler room fire.
When Peter returned home to the area, he settled on Long Pond. His love of boating and the water began as a child at his family's summer home on Sconticut Neck in Fairhaven.
Peter loved classic cars all his life and was the proud owner of a 1993 Corvette he affectionately named "Ruby." He was a member of the Cape Cod Corvette Club where he made many good friends.
Peter was employed as a machinist, carpenter, and boiler room operator during his career. He worked hard and took pride in every task he undertook in life.
He will be greatly missed by his wife and sons, his sister, Mina Baccelli and her companion Wayne H. Genereux, and his nephew, Christopher G. Perry and his wife Amy of Acushnet. He was the son-in-law of Josephine Gwozdz of Acushnet and the late John Gwozdz, Jr., and the brother-in-law of Bonnie and Rudolf Herzog of Wareham, John and Joann Gwozdz of Naples, ME, Kevin and Valerie Gwozdz of South Dartmouth, and Richard and Madeline Gwozdz of Acushnet.
Peter is survived by his aunt, Albina Gagliardi and cousins Steven Baccelli, Albert Gagliardi, and Michael Gagliardi, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his loyal cat, Gizmo, who was by his side throughout his illness. Peter will be very much missed by his best friends, John Amado, Robert Simmons, Craig Martin, Donald Demers, and John Medeiros, with whom he shared many great adventures.
A gathering to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, September 24, at 11AM at the Century House 107 S. Main St. Acushnet, MA. Remembrances may be made in Peter's name to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 or Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719-0751.