Peter Lecce

Peter Joseph Lecce, 93, of Collinsville, Ill., born Aug. 23, 1921, passed away Friday, July 24, 2015.

Pete was a life-long resident of Collinsville, Ill., and lived an amazing and full life. He served his country proudly as a flight officer and glider pilot in World War II in the European theater.

A graduate of both Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., he was an educator who taught and administered in the Collinsville Unit 10 School District and finished his career with the Illinois State Department of Education.

He was an avid duck, goose, and deer hunter and continued to hunt well into his 90's with his two best hunting partners, his son, Craig and his daughter-in-law, Mary Anne.

On his 90th birthday he was honored as the Grand Marshall of the Collinsville Italian Fest.

He traveled the world with his beloved wife, Arlene (Korinek), whom he lovingly called 'Fritz'. Together, they would dance the night away starting with their days at the Collinsville Park Ballroom that was owned by his father and mother, Bill and Josephine Lecce.

Pete was a member of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, a member of the VFW and American Legion, and he was the oldest member of the Collinsville Knights of Columbus. Recently, at the "young" age of 92 Pete also took on the responsibility of National Wing Commander for the National World War II Glider Pilots Association.

Anyone who ever met Pete knows that he never met a stranger and that there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his friends and family. He touched more lives and will be sadly missed by more people than can possibly be listed.

Pete is survived by his wife, Arlene, nee Korinek, Lecce; his son, Craig Lecce, and his daughter-in-law, Mary Anne Lecce.

Memorials may be made to The Glider Pilots Museum, Silent Wings Foundation, c/o Doug Flynn, 3501 40th St., Snyder, Tesax 79549 or to Honor Flight of Greater St. Louis, www.gslhonorflight.org

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.

An additional visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, Illinois with

Funeral: Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at the church. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Collinsville, Ill.

HERR FUNERAL HOME, Collinsville, Ill.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat on Jul. 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Lecce

11 Entries

Tami

July 21, 2024

A Great, Loved and Adored Man!
Tami Lecce-Hocker-Camp

Tami Lecce-Hocker-Camp

July 21, 2023

Although I did not know you long, it was An Honor to have You as my Cousin! A Shining Star of the World!

Tami Lecce-Hocker-Camp

February 12, 2016

Peter, although we only knew each other a short time, it was memories we will always cherish!
Tami (Lecce-Camp), Darren Camp, and Terry Lecce

Brian McGivern

August 17, 2015

Dear Arleen, Brian and I just heard about the passing of Pete. We are so heart broken with hearing of this tragic incident. No one called us. I am so sorry we were not there for you and your family. We loved him. He was the nicest guy we had ever met and always enjoyed talking with him.

John and Lynn Andreat

August 5, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Jim, Jane & Margaret Pauley

July 30, 2015

Pete, was a very dear friend of my mom and dad. Mom always said he was the best dancer she ever dance with. Deepest sympathy to Arlene, Craig and Mary Ann.

Terry & Joyce Biegert

July 28, 2015

Sorry for your loss, what a great teacher he was...in so many ways. Sorry we can't be with you at this time my father-in-law passed last night and were having to assist my mother-in-law at this time in Carbondale.

Stacey Biehl

July 27, 2015

The many stories of your long, amazing, full life of experiences and travels are going to be so gravely missed. I know your final destination brings you peace and joy. I will miss you.

July 27, 2015

The Day God Called You Home

God looked around his garden
And He found an empty place.
He then looked down upon this earth,
And saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.

He saw that the road was getting rough.
And the hills are hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered "Peace be thine".

It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone
For part of us went with you
That day that God called you home

Dale ternaprovich

July 27, 2015

Sorry for your loss of your father, I know how much he ment to you over years I have know you and your dad. God bless to him as you deal with your loss.

PHIL ODOM

July 27, 2015

SEMPER FI - FELLOW VETERAN
THANK YOU - FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
You are one of our heroes.
We will remember you always and miss you dearly.
Take your Warrior's rest for a duty well done.

I wish to extend to members of your family my deepest sympathy on their loss. May the force of GOD be with them as they walk through this difficult time. May the loving promises of our LORD and Savior comfort them and give them strength.

As a grateful Veteran, I leave my sympathy and hope you accept this as a small token of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one to our Country.

SEMPER FI
U. S. MARINE AND VIET NAM VET

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