Peter Destefano

Please Join the family of Peter DeStefano in celebrating the beautiful life he led. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM with prayers and remembrances to begin at 2:30 PM at the Lake Barrington Clubhouse, 64 Old Barn Road, Lake Barrington, IL 60010.  (Enter on Rt.59 between Miller and Kelsey)

A Memorial Mass will be offered on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM in honor of Peter’s July 16th birthday at St. Margaret Mary/Holy Child Jesus Parish, 2324 W. Chase Avenue, Chicago, IL 60645

Peter DeStefano, of Lake Barrington, Illinois, was born in Rogers Park on July 16, 1953, and passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, with his family by his side.

He is survived by Eva, his devoted wife of 41 years; cherished daughters, Gina (Michael) and Cara (Brandon); treasured grandchildren, Cadence, Logan and Connor; loving sister, Marikay (Denny) and nephews, Ryan, Kiel (Ashley) and Shane; he was the dear son of the late Peter and Corinne, and brother of the late Diane. Peter will be missed by more people than he could ever have realized.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Peter spent close to 50 years in the scrap recycling industry where he had a successful career and met many of his closest friends.

Peter was the ultimate storyteller, inappropriate joke teller, avid golfer, hopeful Bears fan, cigar connoisseur, a proud Italian who loved impersonating mobsters (especially when his daughters began bringing boys around) and was frequently sentenced to Facebook “jail” for his bold political opinions. Peter was also very well knowledged in all kinds of trivia, ranging from important historical moments to the most random facts imaginable – although we could never be sure that he wasn’t just making things up.

Peter’s happy place was in Fountain Hills, Arizona where he frequently visited to golf, relax and “do business”.

Music was also a very important part of Peter’s life; he especially loved The Beatles. He could tell you the year any song was released and where he was when he first heard it. He was a talented musician who couldn’t pass a piano without playing a song or two.

There was nothing that Peter loved more than spending time with his family, especially with his grandkids who, without a doubt, were his pride and joy and lovingly referred to him as Pa or Papa.

Peter will be remembered for his loyalty, strength and determination. These characteristics were instrumental in his dedication to remaining sober for the last seven and a half years of his life.

Meanwhile, please honor Peter by telling funny stories, reminiscing about the old days, smoking a good cigar, and listening to some great music.

Click on this link for the Peter DeStefano slideshow video: Remembering Peter