Peter J. Colavecchia, 80, of Lewiston, NY, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY died on Thursday April 19, 2012 at Buffalo General Hospital. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Joseph and Carmela (Floramo) Colavecchia.

Peter attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1949. On September 30, 1950 he married Constance (Verciglio) Colavecchia at St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls. Peter worked at various industrial plants in Niagara Falls prior to working in the Water Department for the City of Niagara Falls in 1952, until becoming a Niagara Falls Firefighter in 1960. He eventually became an acting captain until an illness forced him into fire prevention as an inspector and at the time of his retirement in 1986 he was the acting chief. During that time Peter served as president of the Niagara Falls Fire Department's Mutual Aid Association for several years in the 1970's, vice president of the firefighter's credit union and actively participated in the annual Leo F. Heck Toy Fund Drive. Peter also owned and operated the Stadium Grill in Niagara Falls, NY from 1963 until 1973. This successive venture enabled him to sponsor many softball teams including the 1969 New York State fast pitch championship team.

In 1972 Peter became one of the first area residents to receive open-heart surgery, traveling to Houston, TX to have the famed American heart surgeon, Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, perform the operation. He was a member and served as Prelate of the Moose Lodge in Niagara Falls, NY. Following his retirement, Peter and his wife lived six months per year in Largo Florida. They did this for seventeen years until they recently sold their Florida home to return to the Niagara Falls area to live full time. He was an avid tennis, racquetball, and shuffle board player. Peter lived his life his way to the fullest until the end.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, Peter is survived by one daughter Paulette (Arthur) Queler of Atlanta, GA; two grandsons Peter J. Woolverton and Jeffrey (Alexandra) Woolverton, three great grandchildren Lukas, Ella and Demi Woolverton, one sister Ann Worley of Wheatfield, NY; one brother Joseph (Patricia) Colavecchia of Niagara Falls, NY; two brothers-in-law Joe (Charlotte) Verciglio and Paul (Trudy) Verciglio, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his nephew Frank Vanoni.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 – 7 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Monday April 23rd at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Vincent DePaul at St. Leo's Church, 2748 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Hughson, officiating. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memorial and Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

Retired Niagara Falls Fire Department Chief of Fire Prevention

April 19, 2012, age 80. Beloved husband of Constance (Verciglio) Colavecchia; dear father of Paulette (Arthur) Queler; dear grandfather of Peter J. Woolverton, Jeffrey (Alexandra) Woolverton; great-grandfather of Lukas, Ella, and Demi Woolverton; brother of Ann Worley and Joseph (Patricia) Colavecchia; also survived by nieces and nephews; predeceased by nephew, Frank Vanoni. Visitation Sunday 2 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY where prayers will be held Monday at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Parish at St. Leo Church, 2748 Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.