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Peter Monteleone Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Monteleone
Cynthia Sogolow
March 23, 2006
Dear Pete,
Thank you for being a part of Erin and Megan's lives. Softball knowledge was only part of what they got from you. The time you spent with Megan the year before she left for college gave her the mental tools she needed to succeed on or off the softball field. On Erin's 16th birthday you made a special trip to give her red shin guards. Pete, you had the ability to recognize what made each girl unique. You will be missed, but the lessons you have taught us will be with us always.
Manuel Menendez
March 16, 2006
Pete was a good neighbor, a good coach, a good person. When he lived down the street from us, our daughters were starting their "little league careers". If I was in the front yard he would always stop and ask how the girls were doing. He often stopped by to help me with my "coaching." His advice and counsel were always appreciated. I remember taking our little league team to see the University of Tampa women's softball team play when Pete was their coach, and the many times he would stop by our practices to pitch in and assist. He always found time to help others. A good neigher, a good coach and a good person, who will be missed, but he certainly left us with many wonderful memories.
Cynthia Arango-Anderson
March 14, 2006
I met Pete at a Sacred Heart dance when we were in high school; a very long time ago. He always had that great smile and a way about him that you could not help but like him. And, could he dance !! His passing makes me think about all the friends people lose track of over the years, especially those who impacted your early years. I am so happy that he had such a fantastic life and shared that life and his talent with children. I always knew, even back then, that he was a good man. I'll miss you too, Pete, even though I didn't get to say goodbye.
Suzanne Williams
March 13, 2006
Dear Mr. Monteleone-I know you will cherish the wonderful letters that extol all that Pete meant to us all. What a legacy as a father, how proud you must be- that your son was loved by so many. When I read of the softball reunion for Pete in the Tribune I quickly showed my husband, Bill and daughter, Brittany and signed Bri up to play. I am so glad she had the opportunity to play in the game and only wished I could have been there to hug his neck.Pete approached us at Northside Little League, when Brittany was 9 years old and made us feel that unequivocably he could hone her skills and make her into one of the top players in Hillsborough County. We trusted and believed in him and took her to lessons at Citrus Park and Tampa Bay Little League for pitching, hitting, and "As Pete sees it" lessons on life. As Brittany improved each and every week-Pete would always be there behind the plate-smoking and giving her pointers and encouragement. I remember feeling so lucky that someone took a genuine interest in our daughter and made her rise to each new challenge. I only hope that there is someone out in cyberspace reading this and that they will decide to pick up where Pete left off and carry on his mission with other softball players. Who knows-- maybe it will be Bill, me, and Brittany? As Brittany graduates in May and moves to Tennessee to play Division I softball for APSU, We will always remember the seeds Pete planted in her and how rich the harvest has been so far--and look forward to a eternal homecoming game with Pete and Jesus in the stands- in heaven.
Katie (Pieper) White
March 9, 2006
Dear Pete,
In these last few weeks I have been flooded with incredible memories from my childhood... particularly my highschool days. I can recall wanting to change schools my sophomore year and spending my whole freshman year weighing the options. But in the end, I always came back to you, Pete. You were the reason I wanted to stick out the academic challenges... your program, your personality, your dedication to young softball players kept me at Berkeley. Thank you I am so thankful for the choice I made, I not only played for the best coach in town, but I got a wonderful solid education at the same time!
Pete, I know I was never the most athletic player on your team, but that never got me down. You always made me feel as if I was a great little player, which in return made me want to give you a 100% effort. Thank you for giving me that gift!
As I read through all these wonderful notes to you, I was reminded by Natalie's mention of T.E.A.M (Together Everyone Achieves More)... I used that saying for many job interviews and throughout my work with teenagers in the church. Thank you for the valuable lessons you left behind. I promise to continue your legacy by teaching the same things to my boys. I love you and will miss you. See you in heaven one day! Love, Katie
Erin (Terwilliger) Howle
March 7, 2006
Pete,
I've struggled for two days to find the words to say...which is ironic, because you always knew exactly what to say. I was probably one of the most untalented girls you ever coached, but you always made me feel that I was good enough. More than a coach, you were such a good friend to me, my family, and especially my Dad - and for that I will always be grateful.
You might not be with us on Earth any longer, but your spirit will live on, and I know you will be there whispering in my ear the first time I put a glove on my little girl's hand.
Erin (Kennedy) Bohacek
March 6, 2006
Eulogy for Pete at his Memorial Service on March 4, 2006:
Pete used to say that his name, “Monteleone”, was Italian for “Mountain Lion” and that he liked to “Roar!” But as a 5 year old, running around Tampa Bay Little League without my shoes on and ordering “Astro Pops” from the concession stand, he was at first a puzzle to me. He did sometimes roar like a Mountain Lion on the field as I watched him coach my sisters, but off the field he always gave me a big bear hug and I remember his mustache tickled my face when he’d kiss my cheek. He seemed so different from the other coaches. Most of the coaches were parents of the players, but Pete was this big, blustery Italian man with a husky voice, coming from Ybor City to coach us little girls in South Tampa. He always told me that one day I’d grow up and could play softball like my big sisters who were playing for him on the Bombers.
In those early years, we remember that he always showed up for practice on time and was ready to start from the moment we arrived. Every girl playing for him was made to feel good about their softball ability and, in fact, he always said some of the players with the least natural talent for softball played with the most heart. In the 70’s and early 80’s there were not so many options for girls wanting to play sports. There was no volleyball or soccer or traveling teams. Little League was it and many girls at Tampa Bay remember that time as the best part of growing up.
Pete was very competitive, but he never allowed you to criticize another player or another team. He always expected you to get a hit or make the fielding play, but when it didn’t happen or when you made a mistake, he would tell you to “shake it off.” At the reunion game two weeks ago, some of his players talked about him as being such a kind, accepting, loving male figure in their lives at a time when there was brokenness and divorce in their own homes. He was a positive male role model for many, many girls.
In the late 80’s, Pete took on his next role as head coach at Berkeley Preparatory School where I played for him for four years. Unlike the former softball coaches at Berkeley who were teachers and had PhD’s, Pete was the first really competitive softball coach. For a small Division I school like Berkeley, his teams competed fiercely with large public high schools including Plant and the dreaded Naples High School. His players were honored in the newspapers and with college scholarships and their accomplishments always made him proud. One of those years, Pete himself was honored as the Hillsborough County Coach of the Year.
During every pre-game pep talk at Berkeley, Pete would always say “The Stars are out tonight and they’re wearing Blue.” We were his stars. As players would grow older and move onto college, there were always new stars behind us that would give him his light.
After leaving Berkeley, Pete continued coaching boys and girls from ages 5 to 21 by giving private lessons at Tampa Bay Little League and other little league fields. In the recent years during his illness, he was accompanied by his dear friend, Lollie Kearney, who helped him with the physical part like hitting ground balls while he gave advice to the player. Some of these kids were great athletes and some just needed self-confidence and one-on-one attention. Pete would start every lesson by talking with the player about their week in school. He truly cared about the whole person and fostered their feelings of self-worth and importance in this world. He would often say, "Things you do may disappoint me and others at times, but I am always proud of you."
His players recount that they gave everything they had for Pete and in return he gave back. Pete would always be hitting ground balls to dedicated players after practice. Jill Cusmano recalled one practice where Pete kept hitting her ground balls in the 100 degree heat until she felt like passing out. And with each ground ball he slammed at her, he would tell her to move closer. He wasn't happy until he knew you gave your 100%.
We cannot forget one of Pete’s most unique attributes -- his memory for detail. His brain was a storage unit of memories of every game he ever coached. How many of you have had some form of the following conversation?
Pete says, “Hey Erin, do you remember that game against Plant High School your 9th grade year?”
I say, usually with a chuckle because I know what is coming next, “No Pete, I don’t remember that specific game but go ahead.”
And then Pete would recount the inning, the number of outs, who was on base and then the play that won the game. You sometimes don’t remember what he described but you nod your head and you say, “yes, I remember now. Those were fun times, weren’t they Pete?”
Most people here today know that a reunion was held in Pete’s honor just two weeks ago. What started as a whim… get some girls together who knew Pete and try to put together a game, turned into 50 of his former players ranging in age from 7 to 44, showing up with their families, parents and other close friends to honor the man who was respected and loved by so many people.
Prior to the reunion game, I was present for a conversation between Pete and a news reporter who was writing a story about him. The reporter, who knew little of Pete’s background, asked him how he made a living while he was coaching all these years.
Pete responded, “I was a very good pool player.”
“So you were a professional pool player,” stated the reporter.
“Not exactly…,” Pete said
“Oh, so you were a pool shark, then?” I could visualize her trying to sort out how she would describe the profession of this obviously beloved, girl-coaching pool shark.
Pete talked about some other jobs he had and the reporter settled on “concrete worker” for the article. What Pete did for a living never mattered to anyone anyway, least of all Pete. Coaching girls was his profession; he just was never paid much to do it.
Pete walked through life with a positive attitude despite the bumps he took. Following his diagnosis with diabetes a few years ago, Pete had to spend 4 hours a day in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to help heal a wound on his leg. He told me about the “old guys” with whom he sat in the chamber who never talked and how it drove him crazy. One session he finally got them talking and by the end they were all buddies. He loved the nurses at St. Joseph’s hospital too and brought them Cuban Bread once a week. The last few weeks he’s been showing off all the newspaper articles, pictures and memorabilia from the reunion game. And just this Sunday he told Heather Hicks she should bring her children over to his house for their weekly softball lesson – always optimistic Pete!
You may not have the same memory as Pete for the details of every game. But honor Pete by recounting stories to your children and grandchildren of the lessons he taught us. He taught us sportsmanship and how to win and lose with class. He was not judgmental. He taught us that everyone has a role on a team, no matter how good a player you are. He showed us how to do our best and to strive for goals. And most importantly, he showed us how to be a long-term friend, years after the gloves were put away. We will miss you Pete, but you will stay in our hearts always.
Augie & Leigh Montejo
March 5, 2006
Thanks for all that you did for me and Leigh, I will forever keep you in my heart..
thank you
augie and Leigh Montejo
Greg,Mary Roberts
March 5, 2006
Mister Monteleone iam so sorry to hear about your sons passing i never met him,but he sounded like a wonderful guy[Mariano and Rosario Garcias daughter and son in law][olph parishoners[used to go to sons of italy also
Nancy Snelling
March 4, 2006
My first memory of Pete was about 16 years ago, he was trying his best to teach my daughter how to hold a softball bat. He had the patience of a saint. They both were a sight that day. Over the years Pete not only coached my daughter but also my sons. He was there to give me advice during my time on the board of directors at TBLL. I saw him many times over the years after my children and I left TBLL. He never changed and always a smile on his face and always made everyone feel at ease. He was not only a great coach and mentor but a good friend to everone whose lives he touched. I truly will miss him.
Nancy Snelling, Delores (DJ), Gene Jr and Danny Johnston.
Paul Hos
March 3, 2006
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
bill Williams
March 3, 2006
Pete was a Friend of Mine. He was a Top Coach of my Daughter. Without his efforts when she was young....I do not believe the Div.1 Scholarship she how enjoys would have happened.....
Ya know, at the top of Girls Softball, it is a very small community...See the same folks all over Florida...At God Forsaken fields....ya know most of us just came to think that eating "Conscession" food was a norm.....didn't everybody do the same thing..LOL Girls FP Softball is still a pure game, and Pete helped keep it that way.....
I can't help but laugh as I knew Pete from hours and hours of discussion about what to do when my daughter Brittany was very young, and was showin some talent....He was a Mentor, a Softball Sage, and a friend.....Brittany, my wife, and I all loved Pete....Regards to the family,
Bill, Suzanne, Brittany, and Truman Williams.....Carrollwood...
Erin Sogolow
March 3, 2006
I will forever remember Pete as a guy with a big smile and lots of heart. He inspired me and taught me many life lessons. He was a very important part of my childhood and for that he will always have a special place in my heart. I remember every story he told and I know he touched the lives of so many girls. He told me once that I was a student of the game and that one day I would have to coach. He taught me so many lessons that I intend to share with others. I am sorry that I did not get to see him more recently, but I know he impacted my life in many ways. I only wish he was here longer to continue teaching those extremely important life lessons. He will be missed by many.
Natalie (Annis) Goodwin
March 3, 2006
Dearest Pete -
What a wonderful friendship we built in our time together at Berkeley! I cherished our pre-practice talks about softball, family and life. What a delight it was to play for you for those three years! I miss your booming voice, infectuous laugh and wonderful smile. "The stars are out tonight and they are wearing blue for you, Pete!" What an honor to share our accolades together!
Thank you for believing in me and teaching me to always give it my all. Thank you for making every other player feel the same way. I still live by the motto we painted on the dugout at Berkeley: "T.E.A.M. - Together Everyone Accomplishes More."
You live in my heart and there you will remain. I cherish the day I see you in heaven and for old time's sake you make me "catch one behind my back." I am blessed to have known you and to be called your friend. Thank you, Pete, for being you.
Natalie
Maite Aramayo Giecek
March 3, 2006
Pete,
How thankful I am that we had that Sunday at the field recently. It gives me so much peace in this incredible time of sadness. What an awesome opportunity for us to share some of our thoughts and feelings we probably should have shared with you many years ago. I hope and pray you felt all of the love and respect and sincere appreciation each and every one of us out there has for you. You were by far the most influential person in my childhood…..Not only did you teach me things on the field that made me the player that I was, but you taught me things on that same field that made me the person I am today. They are lessons that I find myself sharing with my son and have every intention of teaching my daughter. Thanks for everything, thanks for supporting us even when you weren’t coaching us, never hesitating to yell from the stands to encourage us or pick us up when we were down….If you were there we knew it…..and it meant everything to us. I will miss you terribly. I am so blessed to have been so close to you, as a coach and as a friend I will forever cherish. So much love, “Fea”
(I am sure gonna miss hearing that, no one else could get away with it.)
Jack Terwilliger
March 3, 2006
Pete - For someone who has given so much of himself to others, it's a shame you were not given enough time here on Earth.
I will never forget those evenings we had talking about the kids we had the priviledge of teaching and or coaching. Your love of sports and the kids that played them was inspiring to me.
God Bless and goodbye.
Jack Terwilliger
PS Tell Carol I said Hi!
Laura Russ
March 3, 2006
I want to thank Pete for the enormous impact he had on my brother and I. He was like a family-member for so many years. I will always remember the life lessons he taught me out on the field. His kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.
Tracey Ringstaff
March 3, 2006
The impact Pete made on the many young ladies in the Tampa Bay area is amazing. I am so thankful that I am one of them. Memories of Pete will remain in my heart forever.
Beverly Minardi
March 3, 2006
Seeing what a positive impact Pete had on the lives of so many shows me that there are no better gifts to give than service to others with love. The rewards are priceless.
Pete was a remarkable man and will always be remembered and missed.
Shawn Abbott
March 3, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with Pete's family. I am grateful for the time and experiences I enjoyed with Pete throughout my softball years and thankful I was able to see him recently at the Reunion game. He will be missed by all who knew him!
Debra Ryan Bagulho
March 3, 2006
Pete,
I hope and pray that in your heart you knew the influences you had on so many people, especially me. I am so grateful to have known you and to have played for you.
You are unique. In all my years, I have known no other coach like you - one that has so much passion for the game, and ignites this passion within the player. You taught me to love my game, and I still do. Thank you for always making me feel like a superstar. No matter where or when, I felt like the best player on the team. You made everyone of us feel like that, we were all the best players on the team. You taught us how to win gracefully and lose with dignity. You taught me to treat others with respect, even if they are my adversary. Most of all, you taught me to respect myself, and hold my head up high. You helped me believe in myself and my abilities. You gave me this courage you believed I possessed. You have no idea how much of what you taught me lies within the person I am today. You taught me that what I do really does matter. The kind of person I am really does matter. So many little things are there day-to-day. I am a wife, a mother of three, and a woman. But most of all I am a ball player. AND I still run on and off the field. Thank you for everything, playing for you was some of the best times of my life.
Debra Ryan
Chip Collins
March 3, 2006
Thanks, Pete. Thanks to you,our many years at TBLL will always be fondly remembered. Chip, Kelly, Craig and Grace Slone Collins
Blanche Williams
March 3, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Alan Socol
March 3, 2006
My life was brightened forever with Pete's robust laughter. His kindness and caring made this a better world and I'll always be a better person having shared part of my time with him. He was a wonderful friend and my tears are being shed with a joyful reflection of the genuine hero he will always be in my memory. Pete, rest well knowing that your legacy that lives on is carried by countless people who learned valuable life lessons from you both on the field and elsewhere. From Beth and me, Shalom.
Melissa Blocker
March 3, 2006
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. For all of Pete's friends and family, know that he will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Carol Gerlach
March 3, 2006
Pete was not only a close family friend, a mentor to myself and children, but a second father to me. Everything Pete taught me through softball and life I attribute to who I am today. Pete's voice, stories he would tell, lessons that were learned, we love Pete so much...his memories will last with us forever. Every day I will pray that I feel Pete in my heart and soul because he was just that...my heart and soul. Thank you Pete. We love you..thank you for touching our lives in soooo many ways. Carol "Cloversettle" Gerlach, husband-Tim Gerlach, kids-Ashley and Timmy Gerlach.
Christi Newkirk Zettel
March 3, 2006
What an incredible coach...what an incredible person ... what an incredible difference he made in my life.
Pete, Thanks for the memories. I will cherish them forever.
Christi Newkirk
John Huskey
March 3, 2006
To an old friend and fellow softball coach, you will be missed. See on that softball field in heaven.
Bill Kienzle
March 3, 2006
Pete was a great friend and a respected coaching colleague with whom I coached at Berkeley Prep for six incredible years. Pete was like a brother to me during those years, and although I retired and left Tampa two years ago, I often thought of Pete. After hearing about his illness, I phoned him and was able to share memories of our coaching days just a short time before Pete entered hospice care.
I want Pete's dad and his family to know that they are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I will never forget Pete!
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