Pietro Michele “Peter Michael” Guerrera, a longtime resident of Monroe, passed away on March 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, who have been left behind to cherish his memory. He was 75 years young.
Born in Pontelandolfo, Benevento, Italy, he was the son of Rocco and Giacondina (Mancini) Guerrera. He immigrated to this country in his early teen years. Peter attended school in both Italy and Connecticut. He was employed as a construction foreman for 48 years with the same company. This is a testament to the man that he was. He was fiercely loyal and dedicated to those around him.
Peter leaves behind to carry on his memory his loving wife of 56 years, Nellina Guerrera, whom he met when he was a young boy in Italy. He left Italy for a short time; however, he continued to correspond with the love of his life and soulmate, returning to make her his bride. They were children themselves, and together they built a beautiful life and family.
His children include his daughters Deborah Villano, Christina (John) Misenti, and son Peter Guerrera Jr. (Laura); grandchildren Andrew (Lea) Villano, Christopher (Jennifer) Villano, Nicholas Villano, Anthony Misenti, Joseph Misenti, and Ava Guerrera; as well as great-grandchildren Sophia and Luca Villano.
Peter was also survived by his siblings, Pellegrino Guerrera, brother-in-law Enrico Guerrera, Tony Guerrera, sister-in-law Dora Guerrera, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Peter was predeceased by mother and father-in-law Vittoria and Nunzio Guerrera, his sister Anna Guerrera, sisters-in-law Pasqualina Guerrera and Romana Guerrera, and brothers-in-law Mario Guerrera and Nicolino Guerrera.
Peter developed a passion for hockey (Go Islanders) when he arrived in the United States. He was an avid sports fan, rooting for the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. Depending on the sports season, he could be seen either wearing a Patriots or Red Sox hat.
His hobbies included deer hunting in Upstate New York and gardening. He took great pride in his garden, especially his homegrown tomatoes, which he used to make homemade sauce for Sunday dinner. Of course, he did not do this alone; his wife was always there by his side, helping.
Despite his great dislike for zucchini and squash, he continued to grow them in his garden for his family, who loved them. He had a greenhouse, which he tended to daily, and it harvested lemons and figs. The lemons he grew were used to make limoncello over the past five years. This became known as the Guerrera/Misenti blend since his son-in-law John would make one or two batches a year.
He was also a master winemaker, producing large volumes of homemade wine to be enjoyed by all at every family function. He enjoyed sharing his homemade wine with special friends and family.
He perfected his recipe, which he has handed down to the next two generations, of homemade sausage, soprasato, prosciutto,and capocollo. Everybody loved Uncle Mike’s homemade treats.
He was the patriarch of his family. His motto, “family first, always,” has been ingrained in his family from day one. His final words were “to be good to each other and take care of one another.” It’s not hard to do since we were taught by the best.
He will be most fondly remembered for his quick wit and storytelling. His son Peter would always quote him on Facebook, “Sh** my father said number xxx.”
Although he is no longer with us, his spirit and stories will live on in his family for generations to come. We will never forget your warm heart or big smile. Rest easy. You are loved beyond measure.
Friends are invited to calling hours Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 2-6 p.m., at Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe.
A Funeral Mass to be celebrated Monday, March 18, at 10 a.m. at St. Jude Parish, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. After driving by the family home, interment will immediately follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, 500 Moose Hill Road, Monroe.
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