http://www.keywestlou.com/2009/06/matteo-petrera-died.html
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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Matteo Petrera died.
I have not seen nor heard from Matteo in over 50 years.
We were in college together. Manhattan College. I was a resident student and Matteo a day hop.That means I had the money to live on campus. Only because of a sholarship. Matteo lived in New york City proper and took the subway or bus, or both, to school each day from his home.
We went through 4 years together. He was my partner in biology lab.
We were not close. I never recall our going out together on the weekend. But we talked every day.
He perceived me as a farm kid from somewhere in upstateNew York. I saw him as this street smart kid from New York City.
Matteo was physically large. Not fat. Tight. Like a full back.
He knew about everything. He was the expert. Girls, studies, the world. Nothing was beyond his knowledge and comprehension.
He taught me much. I used to hang on his every word. He was sort of a hero to me.
I have not seen Matteo since our college graduation in 1957.
Yesterday, I received the Manhattan College Alumni News. It noted the death of Matteo Petrera.
I felt sad. I went to the computer and googled Matteo. His obituary came up. Turns out Matteo touched many in his lifetime.
He became a high school teacher for 30 years on Long Island where he eventually lived. Taught history and was a guidance counselor. Was married for 46 years. Had several children who gave him several grandchildren.
He apparently was well liked by his students, who affectionately referred to him as Mr. P.
I love his Italian background!
His family came from Bari in Italy. They settled in Harlem, where he was raised. Harlem is where he got the street smarts of which I was so much in awe.
Matteo, God bless you! Keep an eye out for me when I arrive where you are! Perhaps you can give me the lay of the land, oops Heaven, so I can better find my way around!
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Posted by Key West Lou at 7:34 AM
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“Key West Lou” (MC1957)
Petrera, Matteo [MC1957]
[JR: We never reported that obit so we missed it too. Sigh. Need more eyeballs.]
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thanks for the great memories of my dad. you were right on the mark in your description of him ,and his neverending knowledge of all things continued throughout his life. He and my mom raised a fine family of three–Tony, a pharmacist; Teri, a radiologic technologist; and myself, an orthopaedic surgeon. He instilled a great sense of family and tradion into his children and was most proud of all their achievements. But most of all he said his greatest accomplisment was that in 73 years of life he rarely missed church or receiving the eucharist. Clearly his Manhattan College education played a large part in his and our success. Thanks