Obituary of Peter L. Festa

Peter Festa of Oakland, 89, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Peter was the beloved husband of Karen (nee Van Alstyne) Festa for 58 years. Together, they built a life of love from their unwavering commitment to each other. In his final days, Karen never left his side. Peter was also the adored father and best friend of his son, Gregg and his wife Kim (Pasculli), who he called the daughter he never had. He also leaves behind his beloved son Peter Festa, Jr. and his wife Angela. Affectionately known as Pop Pop, Peter loved his grandchildren Gregg Jr, Marco, Luke, Peter and Allison more than life itself and was so proud of their accomplishments.

The seventh of eight Festa siblings, Pete is predeceased by his brothers Nicholas, James, Donald and his sister Rose. He is survived by siblings Charles, Robert, and sister June as well as several nieces and nephews, who he thought of as his own children.

Peter's story began in Paterson, New Jersey, where he was born to his parents Margaret and Charles. Fiery and feisty, Peter was a legendary teacher, coach, umpire, and presence at John F. Kennedy High School and Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, where he threw out the first pitch at a Jackal's game last year. An alumnus of Seton Hall, Pete changed the lives of countless students for over 40 years.

Pete loved the Yankees, the racetrack, dollar stores and hot dogs. He loved simple pleasures, such as spending time with family, jitterbugging with his wife and nieces watching his grandsons play the sports he loved, and bowls of Kim's chicken soup. He was a legend at the Oakland Recreation Fields, where everyone loved his colorful commentary about bad officiating. He loved disco dancing and never missed an opportunity to show off his moves to "Born to Be Alive," even in his 80s.

Pete was the light in the dimmest rooms, the most vibrant spirit, and the smile you can never forget.

Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home 111 Union Blvd., Totowa on Thursday at 9:15 AM. Funeral Mass to follow at St. Mary's RC Church, Paterson at 10:00 AM. Interment at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa. Friends may visit Wednesday 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to athleteswithoutlimits.org, would be appreciated.