Peter Joseph Vaccaro, of East Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away after a brief illness.

Peter was born in Omaha, Nebraska on the 25th of September, 1947, to Nunzio and Mary (Caniglia). Part of a large and loving Sicilian/American family. Peter's grandparents were immigrants who could neither read nor write. Peter went on to study at the prestigious Creighton Preparatory School, Creighton University, Aquinas College, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Michigan State University, and Grand Valley State University, acquiring numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees, multiple academic honors and the respect and admiration of his peers and teachers. Peter was many things, but he was, first and foremost, an inspiring and dedicated teacher who shared with his students his unbridled curiosity, his intellectual gifts, his life-long dedication to learning and the truth he held most dear, that everyone, no matter who or what they are deserves love and respect. The number of young people whose lives were deeply touched by his great gift is legion.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Filadelfo of Chicago, his beloved husband Gerry Giguere, numerous loving aunts and uncles. He is survived by his siblings, Rodney (Joan), Thomas (Nick), Cathy (Jeff), Lucia (Ken), Mary (Tina), cousin Phil (Noreena), step sons Nick (Chelsea), Andrew (Sarah), dear friends Kyle and Kellyn, numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. He lives on vividly in the memories of all those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of the remarkable life of Peter J. Vaccaro is to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday the 27th of July, at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Kentwood, Michigan, 49508. Please feel free to bring your memories and thoughts about Peter to share with family and friends. A brief reception with refreshments will follow the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Michigan Public Radio https://www.michiganpublic.org/

Michigan Public Radio
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