Today we mourn the loss of a Great American. Our family is saddened by the loss of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather; Peter Jerome “PJ” Hurtt of Fruitland Park, Fl. Peter was born in Peekskill, NY on August 23, 1935. He married Josephine “Jo” Carano in 1956 and enjoyed nearly 62 years of loving marriage.
Peter’s life had always been one of service to his family, his community, and to the Nation that he loved. He joined the Army National Guard in 1953, primarily serving in the 133rd Ordinance Company of the 106th Ordinance Battalion at Camp Smith in upstate NY. Peter attended NCO Leadership School at West Point. Peter served for over 10 years, receiving an honorable discharge on December 8, 1963, leaving the service at the rank of Platoon Sergeant E-5.
Peter was employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 28 years as agent, sales manager, and district manager. Peter was a Certified Life Underwriter. Following his career at MetLife, Peter was employed by the Business Council of NY State, and then Eldredge & Lumpkin of Chatham, MA. Peter graduated from the American College of Financial Services in Bryn Mawr, PA in 1973.
Peter was a life-long and passionate member of Rotary Club International, serving as President of the Albany Airport Chapter in Albany, NY; member of the Chatham, MA Chapter, member of the Kissimmee, FL Chapter, and member of the Rotary Club of The Villages, FL. Peter was a twice-honored Paul Harris Fellow.
After retirement, Peter and Jo moved to Cape Cod, MA and wintered in Kissimmee, FL. Peter and Jo eventually moved permanently to Florida, first to The Villages and then eventually settling in Fruitland Park.
Never one to sit still, Peter remained as active in retirement as he was while working. Peter loved woodworking, and together with Jo, they crafted all manner of wood furniture, home decoration, and other beautiful handcrafted items, successfully selling these at craft fairs for many years. Peter also loved anything mechanical and was considered a Jack-of-all-Trades, a trait he passed down to his sons. Peter was always fixing something for friends and family. Peter’s motto was; “If it’s mechanical, it can be fixed”. Peter tinkered with old cars and was the proud owner of a 1926 Model T and active member of the Cape Cod Antique Car Club.
Peter joined The Village’s Community Watch, ultimately achieving status as Superintendent of the Watch Patrol.
Peter was an avid amateur historian, with a love for Civil War and World War II history, often giving presentations on both subjects.
One of Peter’s greatest contributions, especially over the past decade, was his personal crusade to recognize and celebrate Veterans and those currently servicing in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Peter was instrumental in organizing Veteran recognition celebrations for the Rotary Club, particularly during Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Peter was extremely proud that four of his grandchildren served (Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard).
Peter’s sense of humor and quick wit was ingrained in his personality from a very early age. As noted in his high school yearbook; “Days would not be complete without a word from Pete”. We are saddened that those words are now forever silent but are truly blessed for his extraordinary presence in our lives.
Rest in Peace, Peter.
Peter is predeceased by his father Paul, mother Rosemary, brother, Paul Jr., sister, Pauline, and first daughter Joanne. Peter is survived by his wife Jo, daughter Deborah, daughter Theresa (husband Scott Elia), son Peter Jr. “Buddha” (wife Katya), son Michael (wife Diane), son Thomas (wife Michelle), son Steven, daughter Jenna (husband Vince Bongermino), daughter Margaret (Moore), 17 grandchildren; Ben, Allison, Becky, Madelyn, Ryan, Nina, Garrett, Gavin, Dylan, Rachel, Jake, Michaella, Sophia, Caitlin, Belvie Jr., Sarah, and Sergei; 2 great grandchildren; sister Elizabeth Cartisano, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 24 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the Chapel of Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 25 at 8:30 am with Father Gianni Agostinelli, Celebrant. Inurnment will be held on Thursday, July 26 at 10:00 am at Shiloh Cemetery, Fruitland Park, FL.