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Peter DeStefano died peacefully, surrounded by love at his home in Anchorage, Alaska, on June 5, 2018. He was 91.
Born to first generation Italian immigrants, Pete was the first in his family to graduate high school and college. In 1944, Pete became a medic in the U.S. Army during World War II. It was the start of a long, proud and successful military career, and the inspiration for many humorous stories.
In 1955, Pete met his wife of 62 years, Maggie, during U.S. Air Force laboratory officer training. He asked Maggie to marry him on every date, finally getting a yes on the seventh one. Pete and Maggie raised a family of five on Air Force bases in the U.S. and Japan. In 1971, Pete, believing that he was accepting an assignment in Germany, agreed to a transfer to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Pete and Maggie were drawn to the beauty and wonder of Alaska, beginning a life-long love affair with the outdoors.
After retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant colonel, Pete taught laboratory science at Anchorage Community College/University of Alaska until his retirement in 1985. Retirement was spent enjoying the outdoors and inspiring loved ones to live compassionate, honest, hardworking, curious and grateful lives. We are especially grateful to him for teaching us to laugh at our own jokes.
Pete is survived by his wife, Maggie; children, Margaret, Deedee (Rick), Ralph (Lori), Josie (Bill) and Ray (Heidi); sister, Norma (Richie); brother, Ralph (Alicia); and 11 grandchildren.
Please join us for funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at 8:30 a.m., at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Anchorage. Interment to follow at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Catholic Social Services Alaska.
Published in Anchorage Daily News from June 10 to June 12, 2018
