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Peter Angelo Pitell

1921 - 2017

BORN

1921

DIED

2017

About

University of Missouri University of Washington

Peter Pitell Obituary

Peter Angelo

(nee Piscitelli) Pitell

Peter was born on October 26, 1921 in New York City to Italian immigrant parents Elvira Schiano and Anthony Piscitelli. He was raised and attended school in Floral Park, Queens and attended the University of Missouri at Columbia School of Journalism for two years until he left to proudly serve in the United States Merchant Marines during WWII. Disappointed that the USMM's were not recognized as Veterans until 1988, and deeply hurt that they were overlooked entirely in the book "The Greatest Generation," he picketed the author Tom Browkaw's appearance in Seattle along with his treasured friend Chuck Berry.

Peter graduated from the University of Washington and taught history at Rainier Beach and Sealth High Schools until his retirement in 1983. He was especially interested in ancient Roman history and his students fondly remembered the annual celebration of Caesar's birthday when he wore a toga to class.

A character bar none, Peter was easy to laughter, an avid reader, fiercely competitive, charming, fun, a present and loving father, and a loyal friend. Always in search of a project, he built a wonderful vacation home for his family at Holly Beach on Hood Canal almost entirely alone, after spending the previous winter reading several how-to books on carpentry, wiring and plumbing. He and his wife Bea worked tirelessly to preserve the ecosystem of the Canal by preventing the development of a resort and marina at Anderson Cove in the 1970's.

After retiring, Pete and Bea travelled widely and often, and danced whenever possible. Duplicate bridge was his passion, and it entertained and challenged him until his death at age 95 on March 29, 2017. He was a Life Master Duplicate Bridge player.

Peter will be hugely missed by his daughters Joan (Lindsay Pulsifer) and Louise, son Stephen (Zhang Ling) and granddaughters Kate Louise and Yi Gu. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years, Beatrice "Mickey" Kelleher in 1999, and dear son Anthony in 1983.

A private celebration will be held. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Northwest Harvest or the American Cancer Society. Sign Peter's on line

Guest Book @ www.Legacy.com

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

Published by The Seattle Times on Apr. 16, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Pitell

Sponsored by The Family.

17 Entries

dennis burton

April 10, 2022

Mr Pitell was one of the finest teachers we had at Rainier Beach...

Michael Colacarro

April 10, 2022

A memorable teacher at RB. Wish I had known he was a paisano. Before school pep assemblies were great with Pete and Calvin Crow entertaining.

Barbara Libby

August 1, 2019

It's funny how someone you only met a few times can impact your life, when that person is a dedicated educator. I met Peter as the father of my dear friend Joan, but he became more than that to me after I read a wonderful article by him in the newspaper. After the horrible Wah-me massacre in Seattle's I.D., most of us were surprised to find there were so many active gambling clubs in that part of town. Peter fleshed out the situation in his article pointing out the importance of "luck" in Chinese culture and religion. I had always seen signs for things like, "lucky money", or "lucky colors", but I never realized what a central part "luck" plays in the Chinese psyche. Peter opened my eyes to a new aspect of a world I had been seeing through dark glasses. This is a belated, but sincere thank you from someone who never sat in your classroom, but learned from you as your student.

June 17, 2017

I am sad to hear of his death. He and I won a lot of master points together! A good friend and bridge partner.
Ray Sjoblom

Normajean and Robbie Roberts

May 8, 2017

A truly loved teacher at Rainier beach
We were blessed to have him in our lives
We will keep him in our hearts forever
Class of 65/66

Bill Walters

April 24, 2017

For me, Mr. Patell was the best teacher I ever had at Rainier Beach. He made learning fun and I believe that is a rare quality. I will always remember him fondly.
Bill Walters, R.B. Class of 1965.

dennis burton

April 24, 2017

mr pitell was a neighbor of mine when i lived on queen anne hill...i later mover to rainier beach and lo and behold both mr and mrs pitell were teachers there...rip mr pitell

April 24, 2017

I never had Mr. Pitell as a teacher, but I was always aware of his presence! His life sounds exemplary and makes me sad I missed having his class. My condolences to all of the family. Paula (Evans) Monsef - Rainier Beach Class of '66.

Cindee Berry

April 22, 2017

Peter Pitell was one of the most memorable and beloved men I have ever known... so very intelligent, caring, invested, and oh so so funny. We were lucky enough to be direct 'neighbors to the south' and close close friends of Pete and Bea's for many years and they took such good care of influencing our children and caring for our dogs. I loved them both deeply and I am forever grateful for the time that we got to spend with them. Thank you Pitell children for such a beautiful writing about your father... he will be missed. much love, Cindee Berry & family

Jerry Johnson

April 19, 2017

I was saddened to hear of Mr.Pitell's passing. He and his wife, Micky, made an indelible impression on me during my youth. I used to be an occasional visitor to their home when I was hanging out with his daughters Joan and Louise. I remember both Mr. Patel and Mrs. Patel speaking to me as though I were an adult and taking the time to listen to my opinions and thoughts. They were very witty people and were often quite funny. I was so flattered to be paid attention to by these adults because they were the first adults outside of my family who spoke to me like a person. During the Watergate hearings they used to joke that they were more avid watchers of the hearrings than your average soap opera fan was of the soaps. Mr. Patel's warmth and humor were always apparent to me and even though I haven't seen him in years he will be missed. JERRY JOHNSON

Dennis Rix

April 18, 2017

Mr. Pitell was well-liked by all the students that knew him. Both he and his wife Bea were great teachers.

Dennis Rix
Rainier Beach, Class of '65

April 17, 2017

Mr. Pitell was my favorite teacher at Rainier Beach. He loved his subject and presented it memorably. I am sure he inspired many to study history and teach.
Mary Lynne Sanford Finn
Rainier Beach 1963

Ilene Crawford

April 17, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the Pitell family. Peter and Bea were such a vital part of Rainier Beach High School when I attended in the 1960s. With my interest in journalism, Bea was the Pitell I spent the most time with. I learned so much from her about putting a newspaper together. We had fun times as the staff of the Rainier Beach Shield in 1967-68! Both Peter and Bea positively influenced so many students in their teaching careers. Thanks for a thoughtful obituary that really captured the essence of "Mr. Pitell," our beloved teacher.

April 17, 2017

I was fortunate to attend Rainier Beach High School graduating in 1965. As an average student I would try to remain under the radar in class. I distinctly remember Mr. Pitell as one of my teachers. We were fortunate to have such a great faculty. Our class reunions were spent talking about teachers and classrooms. Mr. Crow and Mr. Pitell were features at the before school pep assemblies. They would dress up and "perform".
I had no idea that I was being taught by a "paisano". Certainly Mr. Pitell should have favored the little fire engine red haired Italian hiding near the back of the class.
I became a teacher in Bellevue and Marysville. We had great role models in the front of our classrooms at "the Beach".
Reading your description of your father's life was a treat. He would have been a great neighbor. My middle name is Angelo too. You have so many memories to hold on to.
Sincerely
Michael Angelo Colacarro Jr.

Cal Crow

April 16, 2017

To the Pitell Family:
I was saddened to read this morning's paper and learn of Pete's passing.
I first met Pete in 1960, when we helped open the new Rainier Beach Junior-Senior High School, and met Bea when she joined the RB faculty a few years later. Since then, the two of them have been at the top of my "favorite people" list.

I smiled when I read the toga story, which triggered many other fond memories of Pete. He and I once "performed" at a student assembly, where his Beatles wig had the students in near hysterics. What a wonderful teacher, role model and person!

Pete was a positive influence in the lives of the many students who knew and respected him.
I considered him a friend for many years, and valued that friendship immensely.

Please know that my thoughts are with all of you.

Carmen Maymi-O'Reilly

April 16, 2017

Pete, I shall never forget you. You were the most fun loving, nurturing and easy going Dad I ever met. You taught Loosy how to change a tire on her new car so we could travel safely to Florida. You provided many laughs when wou visited us in Miami. Your generosity of spirit and kindness were boundless. You supported your children's choices and decisions all the way. I was fortunate to know you, Bea and Mrs. Pearson. May you all rest in peace.

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