Peter J. Vergnani

Peter John Vergnani, 74 of Spencer Street passed away following a long illness on February 4, 2015 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. He was born on June 10, 1940 in Springfield, MA, the son of Leo and Katherine (Kane) Vergnani. Peter was a 1958 graduate of Agawam High School. He served honorably aboard the United States Naval destroyer, USS Haynsworth from 1960 to 1962. Upon returning from Naval service Peter joined his family’s business, Hampden Fence, where he worked for several years. Peter later served as a substance abuse counselor for the Carlson Recovery Center in Springfield. Peter was a talented artist and craftsman who enjoyed painting, woodworking and jewelry making in his home workshop. He was an avid collector of antiques, especially antique guns and military weaponry. A lifelong Red Sox fan, he took great pleasure in Boston’s recent success and World Championships. Peter, aka “Cowboy”, aka “Grampa Pete”, will long be remembered for his fondness and kind, compassionate support of all animals. He was predeceased by his brother Leo Vergnani Jr. and father Leo Vergnani. He is survived by his mother Katherine (Kane) Vergnani of Agawam, MA, his son Michael Faulkner, and grandchildren Delaney Rose Faulkner, Isabella Rose Faulkner and Brendan Wesley Faulkner of Manchester, CT. The funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main St. Wednesday 10:00am followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday prior to the funeral home service from 9:00 – 10:00am. Donations in Peter’s memory may be made to: Springfield Homeless Cat Project, PO Box 80256, Springfield, MA 01138 (or online at: cc4animals.org)