Peter J. Vendrillo, 91, of Lewiston, NY passed away on Monday, October 22, 2018 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence. Born in Niagara Falls, NY on February 9, 1927, he was the son of the late Peter C. and Christine (Pirolli) Vendrillo.

Having grown up on Center Avenue, Peter was one of the "over the bridge north enders" and graduated in 1944 from Niagara Falls High School where he excelled in varsity football and playing the trumpet. He served in the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant during World War II and was stationed in Europe from April 1945 until his honorable discharge on October 17, 1946. Peter went on to play semi-pro football for several years with the Niagara Falls Cataracts.

On February 18, 1950 at the former Sacred Heart Church, Mr. Vendrillo married his beloved wife, Lena (Celenza) Vendrillo - who happened to be the literal girl next door, one and only love of his life, and little sister of his best friend.

Prior to Peter's birth, he was predeceased by an infant brother. Being an only child, he considered his late brothers-in-law, Joseph and Louis Celenza, as siblings. Peter was also predeceased by his in-laws, Nicholas and Sandra (Sardella) Celenza.

Peter was employed at Hooker/Oxy Chemical Company for 45 years before retiring as a Process Control Technician. An avid reader, he enjoyed frequent trips to the Lewiston Public Library and was an original member of the Niagara Falls Library Book Club. In his leisure time he also loved sailing and was fond of live theater, operas, Broadway musicals, playing bocce, painting, woodworking, and traveling. In his own words, he and Lena "had a good life together" that was made up of "a lot of love and fun." With his wife and visits from family and friends, they truly cherished wintering for many years in Deerfield Beach, FL.  Above all, Mr. Vendrillo was devoted to his family and loyal to his friends. His dry sense of humor was admired by everyone.

In addition to his wife of 68 years, he is survived by his two children, Carol Vendrillo of Sebastopol, CA and Peter N. (Marion) Vendrillo of St. Catharines, Ontario; three grandchildren, Marina Vendrillo of Lewiston, NY, Zia Grossman-Vendrillo of Oakland, CA, and Lucas Vendrillo of Athens, GA; and his two nieces and six nephews. Peter enjoyed a wide circle of neighbors and friends, especially Ron Courts and his "sailing skipper," Anthony "Tony" Musolino.

A special thank you is extended to his granddaughter, Marina, who moved from North Carolina to care for him and Lena; "special angels," Loretta Irving and Vicky Celenza; Dana and Aaron Wieczorek; and the rest of his in-home, Hospice, and Our Lady of Peace care staff.

Peter's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday October 26 ^th at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Family Parish at Mt. Carmel Church, 27 ^th Street and Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewiston Public Library 305 S 8th St. Lewiston, NY 14092.  Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.