Peter David Esposito Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Peter David Esposito, of Northford, died September 12th at Smilow Cancer Hospital. Born in New Haven, CT on Feb. 5, 1939, the son of the late Louise and Andrew Esposito Sr. of Hamden, CT. He is survived by his wife Susan Felis Esposito, his sons David Esposito (Sajila) of San Diego and Derek Esposito of San Francisco, his daughter Krista Polinsky (Bill) of North Haven, his brother Andrew Esposito (Judy) and sister Ann Gaetano, both of Woodbridge CT, and grandchildren Luna and Alexander (Bill & Krista). Peter grew up in Hamden and attended school there until the age of 13. Partly due to the influence of a nun, he felt a monastical calling and attended Saint John’s Atonement Seminary in Montour Falls, NY for five years. Although very spiritual and deeply devoted to Jesus, he had a change of heart and did not enter the priesthood. After graduating from the seminary, he attended Southern Connecticut State Teachers College to pursue a teaching degree. A year later he joined the Army and became an infantryman. A short time after leaving the army, Peter was exposed to the printing industry by his Uncle Fritz who mentored him. He went to live with him in Chicago where he learned about printing and graphic design. Upon returning to Connecticut, he worked for Columbia Printing Company where he quickly rose to the top. Peter then went on to establish Brother’s Advertising & Graphic Design in New Haven with his brother Andrew. Peter was the creative director and worked with some of the top companies in the state such as Stanley Tools, Sealy, Hamilton Beach and Heublein as well as small local businesses. Always impeccably dressed, quick witted, and outgoing, Peter made many friends and touched people wherever he went. He picked up a few nicknames along the way, most notably Chico and Paco. Chico was a name he chose himself when he and his buddies played baseball. They all decided to take the name of their favorite ball player, his being shortstop Chico Carrasquel. The name stuck and to this day all his childhood friends still call him by that name. Later the name Paco was given to him because it was thought by many that he looked like Al Pacino from the movie Serpico. This was complicated further by his mother and many others in his family calling him by his middle name, David, while others called him Peter. The many names fit the many facets of his personality. Music held a special place in Peter’s life. Even when he had no furniture to speak of, he had an outstanding sound system. His favorite music was jazz and he especially admired the work of Miles Davis, Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane. Two highlights in his life were when he met Miles and Dexter, gave them each a dozen roses and had them sign posters he had of them. Peter cherished his historic home in Northford, which was painstakingly restored and beautified. His love for the Southwest and Native Americans is evident throughout this beautiful home. His appreciation for art, beauty, and design was depicted in every aspect of his life. He was a deeply creative and spiritual man who strived to get to know everyone he met, not just who they were on the outside, but more importantly who they were on the inside. This quality alone would have made him a wonderful priest, but instead made him so much more. His love for the arts and water drew Peter to frequently travel to Bermuda, Italy, Santa Fe and most often Watch Hill, RI where he and his wife Susan spent a great deal of their spare time. Since retiring over 10 years ago, Peter could often be found in his studio painting Native American inspired art and creating unique stone stacks from rocks he collected while walking on the beach. He also enjoyed cooking his favorite Italian foods, reading, and spending time with family and friends. For many years Peter was dedicated to teaching religious education to 7th and 8th grade students of Saint Francis Cabrini church in North Haven. Peter was passionate about sharing his spirituality, faith and love of Jesus, especially with the youth. He received tremendous pleasure in having a positive influence on his students. After being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on 4/1/13, Peter valiantly fought this disease with everything he had and was one of the oldest, successful stem cell recipients. Ironically, he was cancer free at the time of his death, his body having been weakened by immunosuppressant drugs and subsequently overtaken by infection. Our family is forever grateful to his hematology doctor - Nikolai Padoltsev, his bone marrow transplant doctor – Stuart Seropian and the entire staff on Smilow’s 11th floor who lovingly cared for him throughout his illness. A private memorial service in honor of Peter and his life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society online at lls.org or mailed to LLS of Connecticut, 100 Pearl St. #1432, Hartford, Ct. 06103.

Peter David Esposito

February 5, 1939 - September 12, 2015