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Peter Setaro Obituary

SETARO, PETER D. Peter Donald Setaro died peacefully surrounded by his three loving daughters on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Peter was born in New Haven, Connecticut on November 29, 1922 son of Donato James and Mary Genduso Setaro. He was the beloved husband of the late Elia Ferrucci Setaro for 53 years until her death on July 22, 2013. He is survived by his three loving daughters Rosemary Setaro Valentino of Branford, Sandra Elia Setaro Murphy and her husband Gary of Hamden, and Lorraine Setaro of Branford; his cherished grandchildren Ryan Peter and Caitlin Julianna who adored their “Poppy”; and his sister Dorothy Setaro of Branford. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters in law Rita Setaro, Mario and Maria Petrazzuoli, Joseph and Mary Ann Ferrucci, Angela Pellegrino, Egidio Ferrucci, Anna Costanzo, and Carlo Carbone as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Peter was predeceased by his brothers Michael, Frank & Charles Setaro and his sister Rosemary Cronin. Peter grew up in East Haven. His family owned one of those old pianos that have the scrolled music that plays by itself. Peter learned that he could play with the keys and create his own music, and at the age of 6 began teaching himself to play the piano by ear. He began writing music at the age of 22, and has composed hundreds of songs, both instrumentals and lyrics. Peter had the great distinction of having Johnny Mercer, Academy winning award songwriter; listen to his first song entitled “I CAN’T SAY THE WORDS”. Johnny was quite impressed and advised him to continue writing songs. One of his songs called “Compare” was recorded by Dinah Shore on RCA Victor records and was listed on Billboard’s top 10 in 1956. Subsequently, he was selected by the Yale University “YALE COLLEGIANS” 22-piece orchestra to play his song “I CAN’T SAY THE WORDS” at Sprague Hall. Peter has been a member of ASCAP, a performance society, which pays royalties for radio and television performances, to both the writers and publishers. His songs have been played on radio stations all over the country, as well as on television. He also had his songs performed overseas via ARMED FORCES RADIO as well as on radio stations in Denmark, Sweden, Great Britain, etc. He was still receiving royalties from ASCAP. Peter lost his own father at a very young age and he was looked upon as a father figure to his mother and his siblings. Peter was a realtor in his own business, Setaro Real Estate in East Haven for many years until he retired in 2001. He also played piano in many nightclubs. He was a handsome and talented piano player and always had beautiful women fawning over him. His bachelorhood came to an end, however, when he met and fell in love. He always tells the story, with a wink, of how he met Elia under the pipes in the basement of the home he was showing to her family when they arrived from Italy. He began learning the Italian language so that he could communicate with her and her family. Elia was engaged to a gentleman who was still in Italy but broke off her engagement when she fell in love with Peter. He began teaching her English while they were courting. Peter took great joy in the simple things in life and was a shining example of living a life of gratitude. He had an upbeat, positive, and fun-loving personality. He was good natured, had a great sense of humor, and could light up a room with his presence. He always saw the best in people and had a positive outlook in all life situations; always looking at the glass as half full rather than half empty. He could always be counted on for his wisdom and guidance. He was an avid reader and had a great love of history and nature. He loved the challenge of game show questions and always got the correct answers. He had an extensive collection of stamped envelopes. He was a great lover of UCONN men’s basketball. His funeral will leave the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford Wednesday morning at 10:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Church at 11:00. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. Friends may call prior to the funeral from 9 – 10:30 am. For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com.

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

Published by New Haven Register from Jan. 13 to Jan. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Debbie Bia

January 14, 2014

Pete is one of those people who will never be forgotten, he always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone, he looked at the glass half full where as most people look at it half empty, if ever you felt down he was the one who could make you feel good just by being around him, he had a zest for life like noone I have known before and in reading his obituary it made me realize just how many peoples lives he touched in his years here with us, that is the most beautiful tribuate to a person I have ever read and it really touched my heart, be happy Pete your now with the love of your life together as you should be.

Linda Soha

January 14, 2014

To Sandy & Family ~ We now know what a sweet, special and talented man your Dad was -- you never told us much about him before. And now I see where Ryan got his talent from! My deepest sympathy to you at this time.

Charlie O'HAGAN and family

January 14, 2014

Sorry for your loss.Did the office on Main St away back when.Great memories.May he rest in Peace.

LINDA CRONIN

January 13, 2014

Goodspeed Godfather.
Peter was pre deceased by his brothers Charles,Michael and Frank as well as his sister Rosemary Setaro Cronin.
Linda Cronin

January 13, 2014

Uncle Pete, I was always remember your smile, your beautiful soul and all the love around your family and your piano. when we where kids you dropped Nanny off and played piano in our house almost ever tuesday for years. I loved to see you this pass summer and you always always said nice things about people. Thank-you for being in my life.. You made it just that much brighter. watch over all of your family and bless all during the difficult days ahead. And my mom, who loved you beyond .. xox Susan

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