Name: Visitation for Peter F. Lauria
Start: 2016-12-30T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-12-30T18:30:00.000Z
Location: Homewood Chapel at Plum Creek

Lauria, Peter F.

Peter F. Lauria, 69, passed away Monday, December 26, 2016 at Homewood at Plum Creek in Hanover, PA. Born August 31, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY, he attended Cortland and McGraw public schools, graduating from McGraw Central School in 1965. He earned a Bachelor's degree and a Master of Arts teaching degree from State University College at Cortland, NY. Pete taught American history and economics at Dryden High School for 30 years, retiring in January, 2007. While there, he served for many years as the chief negotiator for the Dryden Faculty Association. He lived in Dryden, NY for 26 years before retiring to a golf community in Hedgesville, WV. While living there, he served as a volunteer ambassador at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, MD. In December, 2015, he moved to Homewood at Plum Creek in Hanover, PA.

Pete loved American history, especially the Civil War. He was a devoted, lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, who thrilled him when they finally won the World Series in 2004. He enjoyed playing golf; fly fishing; working outdoors; cooking giant pots of Italian specialties; watching old movies, especially World War II and westerns; and keeping up with politics and the news. He was known for his quick wit; impeccable sense of integrity; natural leadership; kind and gentle nature; intelligence and insight; beautiful baritone speaking and singing voice; his natural eloquence; amazing whistling talent; and his world-famous cheesecake. Pete was always loving, always loved.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret M. Lauria; his stepsons Kevin (Kirsten) Pirko of South Riding, VA and their children: Drew, Daniel, and Case; and Brian (Suzanne) Pirko of Bethesda, MD and their children Ben, Cameron, and Damon; a sister, Lorraine Lauria; and a brother, Robert (Lynnette) Lauria, all of Clermont, FL.

A memorial service will be held this Spring in Dryden. Donations may be made to The Jimmy Fund -- a fund for cancer patients supported by the Boston Red Sox.10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 http://www.jimmyfund.org. Memories may be shared at www.PanebakerFuneralHome.com

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

Published by Ithaca Journal on Dec. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Lauria

Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.

22 Entries

Mary Jane Neff

January 26, 2017

I am sorry for this late condolence. I was so glad to see Pete at our 2015 Class of 65 special Friday night dinner. I will always remember his witty comments in high school. The class of 65 members will miss him.

DAVID BLACK

January 4, 2017

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, ENJOYED GOLFING WITH PETE OVER THE YEARS

January 3, 2017

The world lost a wonderful man way too soon. He was the perfect stepdad for my two nephews and the best husband for my dear friend Maggie, who now feels totally incomplete. You are so lucky to have had over 30 years of being happily married to such a great guy. Many of us missed out on that opportunity. Prayers are being said to help you heal from having what must feel like having your heart ripped out. Love you dear friend.

Millie

Caryn Lynch

January 2, 2017

My deepest sympathy Aunt Maggie for your loss. My heart breaks with yours and the rest of the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you (((hugs)))

Henry Huang

January 2, 2017

I had Mr. Lauria for Social Studies. I remember he would lecture in a steady tone, and when we fell asleep in class, he would hammer is hand against the teacher desk and stand next to you until you woke up. Funny thing was I was never scared of him or intimidated by him. He was a gentle giant walking the hall, enforcing order through his grace and heart. I felt safe and comfortable learning and growing up with him around. It's amazing reading his history and finding out that he taught for 16 more years after I graduated. He managed all this with the most popular kid in the school, his son Brian Pirko, and the caring and tough as nails English teacher, Mrs. Lauria. I'm sure even though he moved away for retirement his kinds strength remains in the halls of Dryden High School. Rest in peace, you great man in the sky! Henry Huang, 1991

Wennie Huang

December 30, 2016

I remember Mr. Lauria, who was my AP Economics teacher, with great fondness - his baritone voice in the classroom, his bird-song in the Dryden HS hallways, his intense passion for history and curiosity about the world conveyed in so many ways, most especially in the raising and lowering of his eyebrows and the pushing up of his glasses! I remember another student bringing a pillow to class one day. After he laid it out on the desk ready to take a nap, Mr. Lauria stopped in mid-speech, walked up to his desk, and just requested, kindly, that he not make it so obvious. A deeply compassionate and empathic man; his genius in finding the positive at any given moment, and at the center of so many memories. My heart goes out to his loved ones, Mrs. Lauria and also to Brian, my classmate - what an incredible loss - Mr. Lauria, a giant man with a giant heart - we will miss you and we will remember you!

Tami Natale

December 29, 2016

In my time working at Dryden High School with Mr. Laura, it was obvious he was admired and respected by students, parents, and staff. I'll never forget his wonderful voice and laughter bellowing in the halls...Sending my condolences to Mrs. Lauria and family.

Laurie Stickels

December 29, 2016

Mr. Lauria was a phenomenal teacher and he was responsible for my love of American history. His Civil War class in 12th grade set in motion my lifelong interest in visiting Civil War battlefields. I took my children to Antietam in August of 2015 -what a powerful place indeed.

Mr. Lauria taught with passion, energy and humor! A magical and rare combination in a teacher.

God bless.

Dryden Class of 1982.

Brian Kullman

December 29, 2016

Pete was one of my two best friends at MCS. Though our paths parted after high school, I never forgot him. He had a warm personality, a sharp mind, and a quick wit. My condolences to this family.

Erika Hansen

December 29, 2016

Mr. Lauria was among the many teachers at Dryden High School that saw your potential, and did whatever he could to help you achieve it. He had the best stories, and made what I personally felt was a dry subject (economics) captivating. I am so lucky that I had the opportunity to be one of his students, as I will always fondly remember his quick wit, outstanding sense of humor, and genuine kindness and compassion for all of his students.

Marti Sandquist-Bemis

December 29, 2016

I always looked forward to heading into your class. You will be missed! I am sending prayers and hugs to Mrs. Lauria and your family. Rest In Peace Mr. Lauria.

Sarah Richards-Desai

December 28, 2016

I am deeply sorry to hear of this loss. I was in Mr. Lauria's AP Economics course at Dryden High School, and he was a brilliant and engaging instructor. My strongest memory of him was the morning of Sept. 11th, as we watched the World Trade Center attacks unfolding on the screen in his room. He had the job of being present, trying to explain, and make us feel safe in that moment. I am truly sorry for his loss. Mrs. Lauria was my English teacher, and it was in her class that we were introduced to the poet John Donne. In his words, "One short sleep past, we wake eternally/And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die." My thoughts are with the Lauria family and their friends at this time.

Linda Quinlan

December 28, 2016

Rest In Peace Peter.
I'll always remember the fun times we had at DHS.
My thoughts and prayers to Maggie and family.

Barbara Hulbert

December 28, 2016

A smile and quick wit -- my memories of Pete. Sympathy and prayers to the family.

Becky Colbert

December 28, 2016

Only spoke with you a few times while working at DCS. but when you retired and I was out of work because of surgery you donated sick time to me. Thank You...

Linda Brown-Fusaro

December 28, 2016

Peter may you Rest in Peace my dear friend and classmate from high school. Always a great ,true friend to all who knew him.
My condolences to the family .Hugs .

December 28, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Amber Starr Currie

December 28, 2016

You will be greatly missed Mr. Lauria. I loved and admired both you and your wife and you were both favorite teachers of mine. Thanks for always bringing laughter and energy to the classroom.

Joy Hammond

December 28, 2016

Mr lauria was a phenomenal teacher with a contagious laughter and smile ! His bold voice was actually very soothing every time I entered his classroom! He will be greatly missed and hearing this news was very heart breaking .. rest in peace !! I'm sure you are still teaching history in heaven ...fly high Mr Lauria

Jill Moravec-French

December 28, 2016

My heart goes out to my Aunt Maggie, Kevin and Brian. I'm so sorry for your loss. Much love,
Jill, Russ and Connor

Jill Mastronardi-Knout

December 28, 2016

Mr. Lauria was one of my favorite teachers in school. I then had the privilege of being a colleague. He was then and will always be Mr. Lauria. It was an honor to be his student and colleague. May he Rest In Peace.
Jill (Mastronardi) Knout

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