WALTER A. "PETE" ANTIMARINO

ANTIMARINO
WALTER A. "PETE"
Age 91, was peacefully called to the Lord late Saturday evening at his home in Pitcairn. Pete was preceded in death by his father, Anthony "Tangy"; mother, Tillie; and brother, John. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Katy; two sisters, Mary (Frank Witkowski) and Boots (Marvin Starkey); his son, Pete (Judy); and daughters, Linda (Sam Santangelo), Vicki Antimarino, and Mary Kay (Derek Morel). Pete had a very special relationship with his six grandchildren, Katy (Paul Soroka), Amy Antimarino, Molly Antimarino, Maddy Morel, Hannah Morel, and Hayden Morel. Pete was born in Pitcairn and graduated from Pitcairn High School in 1943. Pete participated in football and baseball in high school and was co-captain of the 1943 undefeated football team. In 1943, with our nation at war, Pete joined the US Air Force and served his country for two years. Upon his return to Pitcairn, he joined the legendary Pitcairn Mohawks. For two consecutive seasons, he quarterbacked the formidable Mohawks to two consecutive undefeated seasons. In 1948, Pete followed his high school coach to the deserts of New Mexico to attend New Mexico Highlands University. Pete starred in football and baseball at Highlands while earning his teaching degree in education. In 1952 Pete proudly accepted a teaching and coaching position in his hometown of Pitcairn and became the head coach in 1954. When the Pitcairn and Monroeville merged to form the Gateway School District in 1958, Pete accepted the Head Football Coaching position and began a 32 year run, filled with many accomplishments that helped galvanize the Pitcairn- Monroeville community. Pete's coaching style was about discipline and execution, on and off the field, with a commitment to old school beliefs, especially "team work". Pete's coaching accomplishments at Gateway included: 236 Wins and a 72.5% Winning Percentage; 28 out of 32 Winning Seasons; five Undefeated Untied Seasons; 18 Section Championships; 31 WPIAL Playoff Appearances Winning 19, Losing ten with two ties; seven trips to the WPIAL Championship Winning five Championships; 1972 and 1986 Gators were voted PA State Football Champions; 1986 Gators ranked #3 in USA Today's Final Poll. Once retired from coaching, Pete was able to spend more time on his favorite passions: faith, family, gardening, playing the accordion, and wine making. At St. Michael's Church, he served through his late 80s as Father's "right hand man", handling whatever altar and lector requirements were necessary, including opening the church daily for mass. Pete would simply want to be remembered as a Servant of the Lord who did his best to do the right thing. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the "Pete Antimarino Scholarship Fund". Send donations to: Tony Petrocelli, 103 Trotwood Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Thursday 10-12 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at St. Michael Church, 740 Wall Avenue, Pitcairn. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10 a.m. The WM. O. PEARCE FUNERAL HOME, INC., Pitcairn, is assisting family with arrangements.