Obituary: Pierino “Peter” Cascini, 79, of Durham

DURHAM, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) Pierino “Peter” Cascini, 79, of Durham, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022 at Hartford Hospital. He was born in Cepagatti, Pescara (Abruzzo) Italy on January 6, 1943, the son of the late Arturo and Iolanda (Berardinelli) Cascini.

Peter’s family immigrated to the United States in 1956; they initially stayed in Derby then moved a few years later to Wallingford, where they settled. The family opened a restaurant and bar on Route 5 in Wallingford called “Arturo’s” which was a popular destination for good Italian food.

They also owned and operated a hardware store in Wallingford for a few years called “Valley Paint and Hardware.”

Peter served in the National Guard during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. After graduating college with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of New Haven and an MBA from Western New England College, Peter worked in the computer industry, selling hardware and software to businesses before eventually making a move into the insurance industry.

He also developed an extensive tax practice over the years.

Peter and his family travelled extensively to many places around the world. He had a soft spot for Italy and loved to visit family and friends in Pescara, Napoli, Salerno and Capri.

Peter was a great chef, which was augmented by his love of good food and fine wines.

He loved opera and enjoyed trips to the Metropolitan Opera in NYC as well as supporting opera events throughout CT.

He had fond memories of skiing excursions in VT and NH with “the Gang.”

He enjoyed playing cards such as Setback and was an avid reader.

After retirement, Peter became very active in civic organizations and town committees. He served on various Durham Town committees such as the Planning and Zoning committee, Republican Town Committee, and most recently the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee.

He was active in Durham and Middletown Exchange Clubs, rising to President of both clubs as well as the Connecticut Region and represented the region nationally.

He was active in the B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge in Middletown and was elected twice as Exalted Ruler on the Middletown Lodge.

He was very active with the veteran’s aspect of the Elks, organizing veterans’ events and ceremonies honoring veterans throughout CT.

Peter is survived by the love of his life, Karen Cascini; two daughters, Deborah Beardsley of Newport, RI and Nadine Cascini of Woodbury; two granddaughters, Monica LaRosa and Julia LaRosa; as well as his sister, Maria Cascini of Wallingford; two nieces, Mary Tiberii (Frank Calvi) of Wallingford and Giovanna Tiberii-Weller (Ron) of Meriden; extended family members in the United States and Italy; and many friends.

Peter’s family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext on Monday, May 16, 2022 from 9 am until 11 am with the Elks Ritual to follow at 11 am.

Interment will be in Sacred Heart Mausoleum in Meriden