Peter Joseph D’Amelio, 95, of Franklin, cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2019 at Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham with his loving family gathered around him. His beloved wife, Laura Margaret (Thibault) D’Amelio, passed away on March 24th and not a day went by without Peter expressing his affection for her.
Peter was born in Franklin on March 3, 1924 in his childhood home on Arlington Street, the youngest of Peter and Angelina D'Amelio's six children. His sister Josephine often recounted that she was convinced that her new baby brother Peter arrived not by stork, but in the doctor’s little black bag. Peter's life was deeply rooted in Franklin, only leaving briefly to serve his country at the age of 17. Peter was a proud veteran of WWII having served in the Navy as an aviation machinist and received the WWII Victory Medal, the American Theatre Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal for his service. Having missed his high school graduation in order to enlist, he and other deserving veterans from town were awarded their diplomas at a special graduation ceremony at Franklin High School in 1999 and were named as Grand Marshalls of the annual Fourth of July parade.
Peter met his lovely wife Laura at Lake Pearl Ballroom in Wrentham where he was the drummer in a band during the 1950's. Out of all the girls he met, he claimed that he found the best one of all, and they were married at St. Mary's Church in Dedham on September 3, 1955. For 63 years in the brick house Peter built for them, they created lasting memories as they lovingly raised their children, spoiled their grandchildren, and welcomed their friends because there was always an open-door policy at Peter and Laura's home.
Peter was a bricklayer by trade, a member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen until he retired.
Following retirement, he worked on construction projects for the Dedham Public Schools and as a greeter at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home. He always looked forward to spending time with his buddies when they gathered for Sunday School at Joe Genoa's house or on Saturday afternoons at The Shed. Later in life, he especially enjoyed family gatherings, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, trying his luck on lottery tickets, and cheering on his beloved Pats, Red Sox, and Bruins. He was always the first one at the coffee shop waiting for his friends to arrive so they could discuss all the latest Franklin news.
To know Peter was to love him. He had a simple way of looking at life and truly believed that you were in control of creating happiness within your day. His infectious smile, generous nature, optimism, and fun-loving spirit endeared him to his family and his many friends.
Peter will be deeply missed by his children, Cheryl A. Dolan and her husband Thomas of Shrewsbury, Sandra L. Baglioni and her husband Fred of Franklin, Peter J. D'Amelio and his wife Rhonda of Franklin, and Richard J. D'Amelio of Roslindale. Peter was a devoted Grampy to his grandchildren, Thomas M. Dolan III and his fiancé Caitlen Beahn, Michael J. Dolan and his wife Ellen, Krista L. Baglioni, Samantha L. Baglioni, Katherine D'Amelio, and Peter D'Amelio. In addition to his wife Laura, he was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Anthony and Michael D'Amelio, Mary Buiso, Josephine Brunelli, and Esther Pellegri.
The D'Amelio family would like to thank the staff at Atria Senior Living in Franklin and Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham for their patient and compassionate care. Heartfelt appreciation is also extended to Peter's nephew, Paul D'Amelio, for the joy he brought to Peter by keeping him connected to his community.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, June 7, 2019 from 9 am to 11 am at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage Street in Franklin. A funeral service will be celebrated at the funeral home at 11 am. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.
Peter was especially proud of being a WWII veteran. In lieu of flowers, please honor Peter's memory by taking the time to thank a veteran for his or her service to our country.