Peter Marcello

SAUGERTIES - Peter Joseph Marcello, Jr., 84, of Darlene’s Way, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 24, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, Peter was the son of the late Peter and Leonora (Rizzo) Marcello.

Peter attended St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy in Brooklyn, graduated from Regis High School in Manhattan, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Fordham University. He later served six years in the National Guard.

He began his career in insurance before joining the New York State Department of Labor in Albany as a Workforce Development Specialist, retiring in 2005 after more than 30 years of service.

A lifelong lover of music, Peter sang with the bands Bootleg and Travelin’ Shoes. It was music that first brought him to the Catskills, but it was Saugerties, and the people he met there, that captured his heart and convinced him to stay. He lovingly referred to the little town he came to call home as “the land that time forgot.” It was there that he built a life, raised his family, and formed countless friendships that would last a lifetime. Never far from the music he loved, Peter later became an honorary member of the Paul Luke Band, a title and friendship he treasured dearly.

An adventurer at heart, Peter spent most of his time on his Harley-Davidson, riding through all 48 contiguous states. He considered himself a “nomad” or even a “gypsy” living in Louisiana, Wyoming, traveling to Norway and various European countries, his favorite of course, Italy. No matter where he went, he always returned home for family and special occasions. 

Peter had a natural curiosity about people and formed many lasting friendships. He encouraged others to “expand your horizons,” a philosophy he lived by and passed on to his children and grandchildren.

He enjoyed music, reading, and later in life, gardening. Some of his happiest moments were spent quietly at home, tending his plants and watching family life unfold around him.

As a father and grandfather, Peter valued education, independent thinking, and being present. He took great pride in his grandchildren and cherished time spent them.

Peter lived fully and on his own terms. His curiosity, humor, and independent spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

Peter is survived by his wife, Barbara (D’Amato) Marcello; his daughters, Christine (Bryan) Marcello-Block of Catskill, Stephanie (George) DaSilva of Saugerties, Lauren (Matt) Ruberg of Saugerties, and Victoria (Jack) Cannizzaro of Saugerties; and his sons, Thomas (Mandy) Rueby of California and Peter Romine of Seattle, Washington.

He is also survived by his siblings, Robert of Feura Bush, James of Greenville, Paul of Greenville, Anthony of Freehold, and Theresa Rebeor of Cambridge, Vermont; his beloved grandchildren, Marina Marcello, Anthony & Caroline DaSilva, Taylor Block, Barry & Eve Ruberg, Harlow & Mila Rueby; several nieces and nephews; and his faithful pup, Rosie.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, July 8th from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc., at the corner of John and Lafayette Streets in Saugerties.

Interment will be held on Saturday, July 25th at 12:00 in the Blue Mountain Cemetery with a Celebration of Life to follow at 3:00 PM at Lauren & Matt’s home - 9 Darlenes Way, Saugerties. 

The family suggests that donations in Peter’s memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Memorial Sloan Kettering Kids.

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