Helen, Larry, and all of Pete's extended family:
I doubt I can find the words to express neither the depth of my sadness, nor the respect and admiration I had for Pete as a friend, and as an example of a truly honorable human being, but I will try...
I was fortunate enough to have spent many days and nights with Pete, back in our younger, nearly approaching middle-age years. From opening the 1st Capitol Light and Supply branch in Norwich, to company basketball and softball games, and every Woody Allen movie that came out, we had so, so many laughs. Each of us had some tough times we were going through, and we were there for each other, but Pete always held up way more of his end than I did; that's who he was... A lot of people don't know that side of Pete; always generous, way beyond necessary, would do anything for almost anybody and never, ever, ask anything in return... I can't possibly describe the ache inside me now because life happened, I hadn't kept in touch with him, and then I wasn't there in these last few years, after he was there so many times for me... He was a damn good friend, an even better person, and my heart goes out to Helen, and Larry, because I know what Pete would have meant to each of you... Any of us who were lucky enough to have known Pete were given a gift, and the best way to honor that gift would be to approach our lives with the spirit of generosity that he lived his with... I will miss you old friend... I am so, so sorry that I let you down... Go shake Thurman's hand man, and have the Mick hit you a few grounders... Rest in Peace buddy...
