Peter Lawrence Cervellino
July 17, 1975 ~ May 6, 2025
Born in:
Port Jefferson, New York
Resided in:
Portland, Oregon
Peter Lawrence Cervellino was born on July 17, 1975 in Port Jefferson, NY to Johanna and Lawrence Cervellino. He was named after his maternal grandfather, Pietro.
Peter or Pete as many of his friends called him, attended Sts. Philip and James Elementary School in St. James and St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington where he was a member of the cross country track team and the National Honor Society.
He studied at the University of Pennsylvania where he was awarded a BA in English and at the New School where he earned an M.S. in Nonprofit Management. Peter worked in the non-profit sector in both New York and Portland as a grant writer and development and database consultant for organizations such as The Conference of Jewish Material Claims Against Germany in New York City, Stand for Children, the Oregon Symphony, and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Throughout his life, Peter was a constant advocate for people in need and always stood up for what was right.
After living in Sunnyside, Queens for several years, Peter moved to Portland Oregon forming a close knit community of friends and co-workers. Peter loved camping and the outdoors, cooking for friends, and was an avid reader, music lover, and a talented writer and poet. Peter will be remembered for his intelligence, his off-beat sense of humor, his kindness, his generosity, and his ability to make others feel seen and accepted. He is survived by his mother Johanna, his sister Stacey, his Aunt Rosemarie, many cousins, and loving friends.
Services
Visitation: Thursday, May 15, 2025 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
Service: Thursday, May 15, 2025 11:00 am
Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
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I am absolutely heartbroken for the devastating loss of Peter. He was such a beautiful soul with an incomparable wit and intelligence. Sending my deepest sympathy to his beloved sister Stacey, his dearest mom, and everyone who loved and cherished him throughout his life. He will never be forgotten.
Sending Iove to the family.
Stacey, my heart goes out to you and your mother. Peter’s smile, quick wit and deep intelligence will never be forgotten. Sending so much love and wishes for peace to you.
I’m so saddened by this news. My heart goes out to you, Stacy and your mother. Sending love and strength through this difficult time.
This is such an unbearable loss of such a truly unique individual and a bright light in this world. My deepest condolences to Stacey and Mrs. Cervellino and to all of Peter’s family and friends who will miss and remember him always. Much love to you all.
Friars Class of 1993
Peter was an incredibly gifted, witty, caring person – no one has ever made me laugh as much before or since I met him, and his poetry always left me guessing. Sending love and condolences to your family and thinking about the time spent with the incredibly charming and unique Peter Cervellino. There will never be another like him.
No words, just so much love and light to you and your family!
Peter was a dear friend of mine and I am in shock. We would laugh for hours and not many understand my humor but he did. He was so kind and helped me out so many times. My condolences go out to his family and friends. He was always surrounded by amazing people. May he guide us and keep us safe. I love you buddy.
My dearest friend
Your light and humor will be greatly missed. You were such a joy to work with at Self Enhancement, Inc. In Portland Oregon.
To Pete’s mama-thank you so so much for giving all us the gift of “Uncle Peep,”
As Kaye called him from the time
She could talk. He truly was the best, no one like him, we all love him so much. Thanks for sharing him with us Stacy, please reach out if either of you need a thing. Love, Amy, Emma and Kaye Rothkopf
We always loved Pete . He was such a great friend to our son during their St. Anthony’s years…very special.
Went to grad school with Pete. Very sorry to hear this news. Thank you for all the laughs and reminding me to never take the world seriously. You will be missed.
Pete was profoundly kind… I am thankful to have known him.
I was with Pete on 9/11 when he suggested that we go to St. Vincent’s Hospital to donate blood after the towers were hit. That’s the kind of guy he was. Always trying to help people. May his memory be for a blessing.
I was Peter’s eighth grade teacher at Sts. Philip and James School. Peter was wonderful student. He was generous, artistic, funny, and most of all cared about other people. I will pray for Peter and my deepest condolences for his Mom and sister, Stacey. Mr. Arthur Dunn
Pete was understatedly brilliant, kind, and caring. It’s hard for me to say anything viscerally significant in a tiny virtual box. I just want his family to know he was so unique, and I’m sure we all wish he was still here. May he find peace.
My deep condolences to Stacey and the Cervellino family. When Pete was at Saint Anthony’s, we were in the same Latin class and sat near each other. Sometimes he would help me when something wasn’t clear. He struck me as very bright and kind. My heart goes out now to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Pete.
I worked with Peter in New York at Corbis, where I had the good sense to hire him on my team, despite the fact that he was, without a doubt, a terrible salesperson. But I didn’t hire him to sell. I hired him because he was smart, funny, and good in that rare, genuine way.
We’d talk endlessly about Mission of Burma and whatever other indie bands we were into that week, laugh at the absurdity of politics, and make the workday something worth showing up for. Peter had a sharp mind, dry wit, and a spirit that wasn’t here to close deals—he was here to connect, to observe, to share something honest.
Hearing of his passing truly hurts. I send my deepest condolences to his family, his friends, and everyone lucky enough to know him. He’ll be missed and remembered with real affection.