Even Pete Contrucci II (Pete) passed peacefully after complications from surgery on April 4, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Julie; daughter, Dr. Ann Contrucci of Bethlehem, GA; sons Pete (Jennifer) of Ridgewood, NJ and Thomas (Cyndi) of Marietta, GA; and his adoring grandchildren, Julianna and Will Shirley, Regan, Jack and Thomas Contrucci, and Madison and Katherine Contrucci. He also leaves behind his dear sister, Faith Ann Bestic and was predeceased by his parents, E. Pete and Anna Contrucci, and his brother-in- law Richard Bestic.
Born in Canton, Ohio on March 11th, 1944. Pete graduated from Glenwood High School, attended Case Western Reserve University where he received a degree in Electrical and Systems Engineering, later he earned an MBA from Emory University. It was during his sophomore year of high school that he caught the eye of Julie Lukas, the love of his life. He used to joke that high school romances don’t last, but Pete and Julie were inseparable as a loving couple for over 60 remarkable years.
Upon graduating from Case, Pete moved his young family to Lakewood, OH and began a career with IBM that spanned nearly 30 years. His first project was working on the team that developed the first nationwide POS system for GoodYear Tire Corporation. After being awarded for this early success, he was eventually transferred to Atlanta in 1976 where he was an executive at IBM’s southeastern headquarters. During his time at IBM, he worked on many cutting-edge projects including development of the original PC, the first portable PC (precursor to the laptop) and multimedia projects that ushered in the Internet Age.
Pete retired early from IBM and began pursuing his passion of stock market investing. Finding the off-the-shelf tools inadequate to support his active business, he used his vast computer engineering skills to build several tools to analyze investment opportunities.
Growing up in the age of classic American westerns, Pete loved the cowboy motif and the principles it represented. He had a great affinity for all things western: the history, the books and ultimately the art. When the Booth Western Art Museum opened in 2003 it was a natural fit for Pete. He became one of the museum’s most beloved docents, leading tours for groups of all ages and imparting his vast knowledge of the west upon his audience. He celebrated his 75th birthday with the dedication of The Julie and Pete Contrucci Family Gallery, a legacy for which he was immensely proud.
An avid explorer and traveler in his younger days, Pete loved to camp, fish, shoot skeet and play an occasional round of golf. Sharing his love for exploring with his family was very important to Pete. He diligently planned family vacations that included visits to virtually all 50 states.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, nothing gave Pete more pride than his three children and seven grandkids, whom he affectionately called the “Magnificent Seven”. He relished in all of their successes and loved to brag to anyone who would lend an ear. He was always most content when surrounded by his family. Pete will be remembered for his generous spirit, keen intellect, the ability to give the “ultimate” gift, pride for his Italian ancestry, his famous pizza recipe, an off-color joke here or there, and his warm smile.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 16th at 11:00 am at the Catholic Church of St. Ann, Marietta, (reservations required due to limited capacity). Immediately following the mass, we welcome all friends and family to attend a Memorial Celebration from approximately 12:30 – 3:00 pm, with remarks beginning at 1:00 pm, at Atlanta Country Club (no reservations required, ample capacity for all) - 500 Atlanta Country Club Dr, Marietta. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pete’s name may be made to the Catholic Church of St. Ann, Marietta and/or the Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville, GA.
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