Peter Joseph Plate

Peter came to the US and the Bronx, NY at the age of 12 years old, with mother Clara and father Rudelfo Plate, older sisters Mary and Rose, and younger sister Joanne and brother Charlie (the older family members initially lived in Brooklyn but moved to Italy before Peter, Joanne, and Charlie were born).   Their return to the US with a family of seven, began by staying with relatives at first but eventually their home became the right side of a two-family house at 4109 Paulding Avenue in the north central Bronx.  Peter went on to graduate high school and then earn his associate degree in electronics from Westchester Community College.  In 1957 at the age of 23 he was drafted and joined the Army where he served through the post war winddown in Korea.  He applied his knowledge of electronics to become a communications radio technician and operator and was decorated with a Medal of Good Conduct and honorably discharged after two years of service. 

Peter went to work at General Precision Laboratories after his return to NY, and while working there met the love of his life, Anita Todaro.  They created a life together that took them to Commack Long Island, and Peter to an eventual 30-year career with Grumman Aerospace during which time he went to night school and earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from New York Institute of Technology.  Peter’s passions in life revolved around is family, friends, and the community.  He enriched the lives around him with his humor and wit and was approachable to all with his infectious smile and easy-going nature.  Peter prided himself on his hobbies and interests which he shared with loved ones such as fishing, gardening, cooking, reading, and spectating sports.  His legacy is rooted in Long Island and beyond with the many fig trees he has planted and cared for, and with the long-lasting taste of the best clams and oysters dug and served by him at every possible event.

Peter leaves behind his amazing wife Anita of 60 years, and two children Peter and Patricia, who now have seven beautiful sons of their own.  Peter is married to Nancy (Dobek) Plate, where they live in Fort Salonga, NY, and have sons Nicholas, Charles, Will, and Andrew.  Patti is married to Saul Cruz, where they live in Fair Haven, NJ, and have sons Christopher, Matthew, and Luke.  Peter was predeceased by his parents, Rudelfo and Clara (Grassi) Plate, his sister Mary and brother Charlie.  He is survived by his loving sisters Rose DeSpirito and Joanne DeSpirito and many nieces and nephews. 

Peter passed peacefully in the early hours of Easter morning.