Peter F. Lauria

Peter F. Lauria, 69, passed away Monday, December 26, 2016 at Homewood at Plum Creek.

Born August 31, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY, he attended Cortland and McGraw public schools, graduating from McGraw Central School in 1965. He earned a Bachelor's degree and a Master of Arts teaching degree from State University College at Cortland, NY. Pete taught American history and economics at Dryden High School for 30 years, retiring in January, 2007. While there, he served for many years as the chief negotiator for the Dryden Faculty Association. He lived in Dryden, NY for 26 years before retiring to a golf community in Hedgesville, WV. While living there, he served as a volunteer ambassador at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, MD. In December, 2015, he moved to Homewood at Plum Creek.

Pete loved American history, especially the Civil War. He was a devoted, lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, who thrilled him when they finally won the World Series in 2004. He enjoyed playing golf; fly fishing; working outdoors; cooking giant pots of Italian specialties; watching old movies, especially World War II and westerns; and keeping up with politics and the news. He was known for his quick wit; impeccable sense of integrity; natural leadership; kind and gentle nature; intelligence and insight; beautiful baritone speaking and singing voice; his natural eloquence; amazing whistling talent; and his world-famous cheesecake. Pete was always loving, always loved.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret M. Lauria; his stepsons Kevin (Kirsten) Pirko of South Riding, VA and their children: Drew, Daniel, and Case; and Brian (Suzanne) Pirko of Bethesda, MD and their children Ben, Cameron, and Damon; a sister, Lorraine Lauria; and a brother, Robert (Lynnette) Lauria, all of Clermont, FL.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm Friday, December 30, 2016 at Homewood Chapel at Plum Creek with The Rev. Joel B. Hummel officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 1:30 pm Friday at the chapel. A memorial service is planned for the Spring in Dryden, NY.

Donations may be made to The Jimmy Fund -- a fund for cancer patients supported by the Boston Red Sox.10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 http://www.jimmyfund.org