Peter Anthony Saitta

Peter Saitta, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away suddenly on December 25th in his home. He was 81 years of age.

Born on June 13, 1935 in the West End of Boston, Peter was the loving son of the late Frank Saitta and Frances (Arena) Saitta. Peter was a warm and caring son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Peter was predeceased by his wife Jeanette (DeCillis) Saitta, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage, his brother, Anthony Saitta, his sister, Emily (Saitta) Laham. He is survived by his sister, Florence (Saitta) Rhoda and her husband William, his dear children, Laura J. Berg and her husband Robert and Frank J. Saitta and his fiancé Jan DeMeulenaere, his precious grandchildren, Kara J. Berg, Preston Saitta and Madyson Saitta; and his many nieces, nephews and friends whom he loved dearly.

A graduate of Somerville High School and a veteran of the United States Army, he received his undergraduate degree and his Master's Degree in Physical Education from Boston University. Until his retirement, he was a much-loved teacher, basketball coach and administrator at Wakefield Memorial High School, Boston State College and Bunker Hill Community College, during which time he mentored thousands of students. For many of his students and athletes, he not only touched their hearts, he changed their lives, providing them the support and encouragement they needed to succeed in school and in life by instilling in them the importance of perseverance, character and community service. As an educator and coach, he understood that athletics were an extension of the classroom and that good coaching was good teaching. His student-athletes have and will continue to carry those lessons forward in their own lives, keeping his spirit alive.

During the course of his career, Peter received numerous awards and accolades from his peers and local organizations, but his most prized possessions were his children, his precious grandchildren, his nieces, nephews and close friends.

Despite his failing health, he was determined to continue his holiday traditions, reminding each and every member of his family that he had been thinking of them not only on Christmas, but in the days and weeks leading up to the holiday as he assembled his trademark "gift bags."

A kind and generous man with a heart of gold, Peter always had a joke to tell and a song to sing. His love for his family, the way he lived his life, and his unending loyalty to his friends make his passing hard to bear but ensure that his memory will be eternal.

Dear Loving and Gracious God, for sure the heavens are rejoicing and the angels are thrilled to welcome their newest member who is going to assemble the best heavenly basketball team possible. May he enjoy a wonderful reunion with family and friends who pre-deceased him and in particular, may he once again dance with his beautiful bride, Jan.

Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main St. (RT 28) STONEHAM Saturday, December 31st at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Peter's Eternal Life in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St. Stoneham at 10am. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with the Family on Friday, December 30th from 4-8pm in the Funeral Home. Parking attendants and elevator are available. Interment Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in memory of Peter to Boston Medical Center Cardiology Department c/o Boston Medical Center Office of Development 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 1st Floor Boston, MA 02118.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome