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Born in Jackson Heights, Queens in 1938, Peter began his undergraduate studies in 1957 at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island, a liberal arts college run by Dominican Fathers. Profoundly drawn to their religious life and charism for preaching, he entered the Dominican Novitiate two years later and then pursued philosophical and theological studies at various Dominican institutions of higher learning. In 1963, he made his solemn monastic vows, and in 1966, he was ordained a priest. He then continued scholarly learning and teaching that eventually led him to the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, also known as the Angelicum, in Rome.
In 1971, despite his great love for the Dominicans, he left the Order, yet chose to remain in Rome for another five years, teaching English. Still, New York City beckoned, and he returned there to work in secular careers, first for Price Waterhouse and then for Citibank, where he would later become a Vice President. In 1977, he met the love of his life, David Natoli. During that first decade back in the city, Peter also discovered the Episcopal Church, about which he would later write: "Here I found everything that I needed as a Christian—the sacraments, the scriptures, community life, common prayers. I found a church where power is shared and where freedom and reason and common sense flourish alongside sound doctrine. An inclusive church where all are welcome. And I found a church where the Gospel is preached—and preached well." In 1987, he became an Episcopalian, and in 1990, stirred by the AIDS epidemic, he returned to priestly ministry. Peter first served as vicar of St. Stephen's, Woodlawn (1991-1997), then became an assisting priest at the Church of the Apostles, Manhattan. He also served as a Trustee of the Diocese.
Across the arc of his long life, Peter knew both sorrows and great joys. In 1994, he was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia and nearly died, yet in 2000 was fortunate to be the recipient of one of the first genetically engineered cancer drugs, and fully recovered. After thirty years of life together with David, the couple legally married in Canada in 2007.
Peter was a man of steadfast devotion, in his love and care for David, his advocacy for social justice, and his commitment to higher scholarship and the art of preaching. He published several books and numerous articles, including books of sermons. Most recently, he had revived his interest in Saint Thomas Aquinas and re-translated into plain English his earlier academic translation of and commentary on De Sortibus (2021), which he called A Letter to a Friend about the Casting of Lots. This work of the Angelic Doctor of the Church had never before been published in English.
I wish to express my gratitude to both Bishop Andrew St. John and the Rev. John David van Dooren for their pastoral and spiritual care for both Peter and David, over many years, especially in a season of David's illness and then in Peter's last months. These were hard years, yet full of grace and spiritual companionship.
Please remember our brother Peter in your prayers and at your altars and pray for God's consolation for his husband David and their wide circle of family, friends, and caregivers. Cards and letters of condolence may be sent to David at home, 150 Ninth Avenue #1, New York, NY 10011. Donations in Peter's memory may be made to:
With every good wish, I remain
Yours,
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