Peter J. “Pete” Cartella – 76 – of 65 Watrous St., Perry, NY, formerly of Hornell, died Wednesday morning (November 3, 2010) at Highland Hospital in Rochester following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on February 13, 1934, he was the son of Angelo & Josephine (Marino) Cartella.
Pete grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1953). Following high school, he owned & operated City Delivery Service, delivering groceries for many of the “Mom & Pop” grocery stores in the area.
From 1956 – 1960, Pete served in the US Army and, for a time, was stationed in Germany. Following his discharge from military service, he purchased Richfield Service Station which he operated for several years. He later worked for City Ice & Fuel (Ice House) in Hornell. For many years Pete was employed at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) where he served in many capacities, including manager of the Parts & Inventory Department and also working on the road crew. Following his retirement from the NYSDOT, he was employed (part time) as a “short order cook” at the Texas Café.
For several years Pete owned & operated Pete’s Billiards (formerly Abby’s Pool Hall) in Hornell. He was well known throughout the area for his abilities on the pool table — both billiards (no pockets) and pocket billiards. He was also an exceptional ping-pong player and took great pride in showing the younger players exactly “how it’s done”. He would often host pool tournaments, ping-pong tournaments and a few poker tournaments (playing only for trophies, never for money!) at the pool hall. Hundreds of teenagers “grew up” at Pete’s Pool Hall and their parents would always know that their kids were safe and “off the streets”. A very common expression at that time was “I’ll meet you at Pete’s”.
Pete was an avid hunter (especially deer hunting and woodchuck hunting) and also enjoyed fishing. He also had a deep love for music and was a self-taught banjo player. For many years he strummed his banjo playing with the “Banjo Boys”. Throughout the years, Pete received great pleasure taking long motorcycle rides with his many friends — simply enjoying the outdoors.
He enjoyed all sports, but was primarily a baseball fan. For many years he was a well known and a well respected baseball & softball umpire. Nearly every night, Pete could be found umpiring at the Hornell Babe Ruth League, Hornell Little League, Hornell Cinderella League or at area High School games. He never lost his enthusiasm for the game!!
For years he served as a coach & manager in the Hornell Babe Ruth League and Older Babe Ruth League, often coaching the All-Star Teams for tournament play in both leagues. He always made sure that every player knew the fundamentals of the game and he always brought out the best of every player’s ability. Pete was also an avid golfer and had been a member of the Twin Hickory Golf Club for many years. He enjoyed playing in local tournaments, not for the competition, but because he loved spending time with his many friends.
He was a member and past Master of the Hornellsville Grange. He resided in Hartsville for several years and for the past 10 years has lived in Perry where he was a member of the Warsaw Grange.
Pete will be remembered as a man who had a deep love & devotion for the youth of Hornell. He will also be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his story telling abilities. He always had a smile on his face and thoroughly enjoyed every one that he met. If Pete was your friend, you had a “friend for life”.
The following is a quote from Pete, shortly before his death — “Like any good baseball game, there has to be an end”.
He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Mary Cartella who died in infancy and Mary Andrezzi; 1 brother, Francis Cartella.
Surviving are his son, Mike (Cheryl) Corcoran of Perry; 3 brothers, Julio (Nancy) Cartella, Carl (Mary) Cartella and Francis “Butch” (Beth) Cartella, all of Hornell; 3 sisters, Rose (Clarence) Conine, Angie Eason and Josie Brown, all of Hornell; 2 grandsons, Michael & Andrew Corcoran; several nieces & nephews.
At Pete’s request there will be no calling hours. A private Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Pete’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell YMCA building fund, 12 Center St., Hornell, NY. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.