Peter Ralph Gaetano

Peter Ralph "Big Pete" Gaetano, of North Haven, passed away peacefully at the age of 64 on August 30, 2025, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford after a short illness. Born on April 13, 1961 in New Haven to Ralph Gaetano and Ann Esposito Gaetano, he grew up in Hamden with his three sisters. He graduated from Hamden High School School in 1979. Dean Junior College, where he played lacrosse and was a business administration major, attended Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1990. Pete worked as a bartender in Martha's Vineyard, Boston, Daytona Beach, and the Greater New Haven area. He loved bartending best, saying it was his most important job. He also taught swimming at the North Haven Pool. Later, he worked for the State of Connecticut Liquor Commission as a Liquor Control Supervising Agent for both Mohegan Sun Casino and Foxwoods Casino. He also served as a New Applications Supervisor in Hartford. When he wasn't working, he was volunteering at the North Haven Parks and Recreation Department, dressing up as Santa Claus during the holidays. He loved spending time with his family and friends and will be dearly missed by all those who loved and cared about him. Pete was predeceased by both his parents and his sisters, Etta Gaetano Pittala and Ann-Louise Gaetano DeSorbo. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Carolyn Calamita Gaetano, a sister, Andrea (Eric) Gaetano Polinsky of Woodbridge, a niece, Danielle Pittala Marple of Venice, FL, a nephew, Matthew Polinsky of Woodbridge, two great-nieces, and a great-nephew. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate and kind nursing staff at Gaylord Hospital, especially the nurses and aides in Lyman 1, along with Michelle and Marcy from PT and OT. Calling hours are Sunday 10 - 12 noon with a parlor service at noon in Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden.