In Memory of Peter Iorio

Obituary

Peter Iorio, 78, of New Hartford, NY, passed away unexpectedly of medical complications on February 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and close friends.

Peter was born in New York City in 1946 to John Iorio and Mary Ormsby. One of six children, Peter had a childhood filled with love and adventure. He adored his brothers—Charlie, Tony, Tommy, and Kevin, and always looked to his sister Teresa as a friend and confidant. Peter was never a stranger to adversity. After an accident as an infant, he was left with only the use of one arm. He learned from a young age that he could do anything he set his mind to, even if he had to find a different way to achieve his goals. He carried this determination throughout his whole life, often telling his children and grandchildren, “If I can do it with one arm, you can do it even better with two.”

Peter was an avid hunter, collector, and a lover of sports. While living in Puerto Rico, he established the Singapur Boxing Club where he trained children and young adults from the surrounding community in the sport of boxing. He was a delegate for the Puerto Rican Olympic Boxing Team and was the recipient of many awards and accolades for his contributions to the sport. He was always so proud of the accomplishments of the athletes he worked with while traveling around the world for competitions. Peter also played a large role in running a local baseball league for youth in Singapur, Juana Diaz. He was always an active member of his community and enjoyed participating in various organizations including the Unadilla Valley Railway Society and the Boy Scouts of America.

Later in life, when Peter’s physical limitations amplified and he began noticing signs of dementia, he found joy and purpose at Lutheran Home where he participated in their day habilitation program and recently became a resident there. He discovered a love of art and could often be found painting and drawing in his room, when he wasn’t too busy socializing and joking around with new friends and staff members.

Above all, Peter was a family man. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Wildie Sanchez-Perez; his children Kelly (Joe) Sessa and Peter (Maura) Iorio, Jr.; his grandchildren Dyllon, Jordan, and Sarina; his stepdaughters Liza DeMatteo and Lynn DeMatteo-Grasso and their children and grandchildren; and his siblings Charles Iorio, Anthony Iorio, Thomas Iorio, Teresa Iorio-Walgenbach, and Kevin Iorio. He is predeceased by his parents and mother-in-law, Sila Perez.

Peter will be remembered by his family, and the friends who became like family, for his sense of humor, his big personality, and his passion for life. He fought until the very end, and though he will be greatly missed, he is finally at peace and free of pain.

The family would like to thank the staff members at Lutheran Home and the medical team at Wynn Hospital who supported Peter in his final days.

In accordance with Peter’s wishes, the family will not be holding services. Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lutheran Home in Clinton, NY.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.