Friday, August 2, 2013
I am saddend to hear about losing Pete and I would like to share a story (sorry its so long) as its a testament to the kind of person Pete was:
Growing up in Rouses Point, Pete was the guy you would go to to get your hair cut. I remember going there for the first time as a teenager and Pete "interviewed" me to find out who I was and who I was related to.
When I went back the next time Pete said he had a gift for me. I presumed it was a joke and I prodded and asked him what it was and he played it cool and said he couldnt tell me. I asked him when he was going to present me with this gift and he just smiled and said, "when the time is right". This banter went back and forth about "the gift" for the better part of 20 years.
Fast forward to August 10th, 2008. My grandfather, Benny Chenevert had just passed away and I was standing outside of St. Patrick's Church as we were getting ready to bring my grandfather in to church to celebrate his life. As I was standing by the casket, Pete and Roberta walked by to go in to church and as Pete walked by he pointed to me and said "today is the day".
I didnt think anything of Pete's comment until after the funeral at the reception we had at the Legion. Pete came up to me and after 20 years of waiting (after a while I just assumed there was no gift, he was just busting my chops) presented me with "the gift". While I dont know the complete backstory, apparently my grandfather knew that Pete was an avid collector of knives, guns and military weapons and had given Pete the knife that he carried with him during WWII. Pete presented me with my grandfather's knife and said "the day that this knife was given to me was the day that I knew I was going to eventually give it to you"
I keep the knife in a place where I see it every morning. Its a daily reminder of my grandfather and the memories I have of him, but also a reminder of the gentle, thoughtful man that gave it to me.
You will be remembered, Pete.
