LOUIS PETER RAFFAELLI

Louis Peter Raffaelli, 86, of Vineland died suddenly Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, at home after a brief illness.

Pete was born in Vineland's Newcomb Hospital on Nov. 21, 1924, to the late Virginia (Tonetta) and Luigi Raffaelli.During World War II, he was a 2nd class petty officer in the U.S. Navy serving as a motor machinist.He spent 32 years as a master glass blower at Ace Glass Co. in Vineland; 22 of those years as the supervisor of the tool room.He was a member of the American Flint Glass Workers Union, serving for a time as its president. Pete was on the board of directors for ACT in Vineland.One of his greatest loves was the 34 years he spent in the deer woods as a member of Menantico Gun Club.He was a dedicated member of St. Francis of Assisi Church for many years, serving as an usher and was a founding member of the First Council of the church.He also enjoyed his many years as a committeeman with Sacred Heart Boy Scout Troop 36.

Pete is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of 58 years, Grace (Piccione) Raffaelli; and his brothers, Joseph of El Paso, Texas, and Mario (Catherine) of Vineland. He will be dearly missed by his children, Richard (Carol) of Wilmington, Del., Louis of Wilmington, Del., and Lisa Langlois (Richard Fiorani) of Hopewell.His greatest joys were his beloved grandchildren, Ryan Raffaelli (Teresa) of Towson, Md., Todd Raffaelli (Shelly Marzak) of State College, Pa., Laura Archambault (Barry) of West Chester, Pa., and Cheyenne Langlois of Hopewell. Pete's favorite role was that of great-grandpop to little Trent, Holden and Garrett Raffaelli. He also leaves a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Natalia Diorio, Gina Raffaelli, Rita Spadoni and Mary Olsen; and son-in-law, Gil Langlois.

A church visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010, at St. Isidore the Farmer Church, 1655 Magnolia Road, Vineland, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Final disposition will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 E. Chestnut Ave., Vineland.

Donations may be made in Pete's memory to Deborah Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 820, Browns Mills, NJ 08105.

To send online condolences, visit the funeral home's website at www.ronefuneralservice.com.