Elysburg – Peter P. Stello of Elysburg, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the age of 64. He grew up in Kulpmont.

Always a hard worker, he began at an early age helping in the family businesses. He was either accompanying his dad making beer deliveries and looking forward to the stops along the route where he would be rewarded with orange soda or red pistachios when the delivery was complete, or performing his assigned tasks along the pizza assembly line at Duke's in Marion Heights.

During his teen years he spent a couple of summers in the Merchant Marines working on tug boats along the East Coast. He had many tales of fun times on the tugs and adventures in the not so safe parts of some ports.

After graduating from Mount Carmel High School in 1975, he began a career in carpentry, first in custom home building then for a stretch he worked Heavy and Highway Construction before returning to the building trade as a Union Carpenter on large scale commercial and industrial jobs. He enjoyed his work, especially the fact that when one project ended it meant moving on to meet new people and make new friends at the next job; always adding to his collection of stories.

Pete loved doing things outdoors, whether it was riding motorcycles in his youth, hunting (always in his signature orange hat made by "Grammy Ag"), foraging for mushrooms, cutting firewood, working in his vegetable garden or simply driving the tractor on the farm. He took pride in preserving the garden bounty and making ethnic favorites. He looked forward to his annual soupie making sessions with his buddies.

His passing leaves a devastating hole in so many lives. Pete will be loved and remembered for his beautiful smile, easy demeanor, and his endless collection of diverse stories.

He is survived by his spouse and best friend of 40 years, Diane Andrade; brothers-in-law, Antonio Andrade and John Andrade and wife, Betty Lou; father-in-law, Tony Andrade; an aunt, Esther Stello; and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony F. Stello and wife, Mary Jane (Flunt); mother-in-law, Mary Andrade; as well as his grandparents, aunts and uncles.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Peter P. Stello, Elysburg – Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, PA 17834, with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating. Burial will follow in St. Casimir's Cemetery. Viewing will be held 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com