Obituary of Peter A. Stigi Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Anthony Stigi Jr., who left us on October 20, 2024 at the age of 84. After a long journey Peter succumbed to cancer leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. He went to rest surrounded by his closest family comfortably in the home he shared with his loving wife, Maria Stigi. Peter, most fondly known as Bebo, was born on October 14, 1940, in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, NY. He was a treasured son and brother. Predeceased by his parents, Peter C. Stigi and Santa Maria Stigi and his younger brother, Gregory Stigi. The absence of Peter’s spirit leaves a significant void for all those who got the privilege to know and adore him.

Peter began to grow his family in Staten Island, till eventually packing up and coming to New Jersey. He designed his home in Old Bridge from the ground up, crafting a space where beautiful memories would be made for years to come. He did this surrounded by those who now survive him: his wife of 60 years, Maria; his two wonderful children, Peter Stigi III and his wife, Annette, and Danielle Spressert Albanese and her husband, Michael. He is also survived by his three very special grandchildren, Sabrina, Peter, and Stephen, as well as his step-grandchildren, Alexa and Mikey.

Peter’s life was one characterized by unwavering devotion and passion. He never did anything halfhearted, including the four years he spent defending our country in the US Navy, most notably serving in the subservice. Once returning home to care for his family after the passing of his mother, he went on to pursue his education at Syracuse University completing it with a master’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in Marketing. From there, he started his career at Best Foods (CPC International) working his way up to the position of District Manager of New York and New Jersey. In 1986, he left Best Foods to join Tuscan Dairies as a Senior Vice President, climbing the ranks to becoming the President of the largest milk company on the eastern seaboard. Peter retired in 2002 after forty-one years working in the food industry. He served on the following board of directors for many years, “The New Jersey Food Council”, “The New York State Food Merchants Association” and was President of the Knights of the Grip.

While Peter had many accomplishments throughout his 84 years of life, nothing came close to that of being a father and grandfather. He loved his family more than words can express. Never missing a sports game, dance recital, prom, or graduation, he was always the man you could count on to show up. His entire world revolved around his family, especially his girls. There was no man prouder to show off his gems. Everyone who knew Peter would agree, he was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. No one could compare to the man he was, and his legacy will be remembered with honor and deep reverence for many years to come. A loving and devoted husband, an extraordinary father and grandfather, and a genuine friend in every sense of the word.

Peter had a wide range of interests and hobbies, from race car driving in his youth to being featured on American Bandstand in 1956. He traveled the world with his wife by his side, sharing a passion for fine dining and great music. A dedicated educator, he taught Dale Carnegie courses and generously supported various charities, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, St. Jude and Veteran organizations. Peter was a man of deep faith and a devoted parishioner of the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine. In his free time, he enjoyed helping Maria coach her bocce team and looked forward to watching the nightly news and classic movies. Above all, he cherished sharing meals surrounded by family and friends.

Peter faced his battle with cancer with unwavering strength and determination until the very end. He was truly one of the most remarkable individuals one could ever have the pleasure of meeting. His impact on everyone he encountered was profound, and he found his greatest pride and joy reflected in the eyes of his family. His wife, children, and grandchildren will carry his spirit forward, guided by the enduring love and support he instilled in all of them. Peter was an extraordinary role model and a perfect example of what it means to be a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. May he rest in peace, forever cherished and never forgotten.

A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.   Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township on Thursday, October 24, 2024.  Interment will follow in St. Gabriels Cemetery and Chapel Mausoleum, Marlboro.  For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 480 Red Hill Road, Middletown, NJ 07748.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com