Louis Joseph Peluso Jr. born March 13, 1924 in New Brighton, Pa., at the young age of 93, has peacefully left his earthly dwelling on January 20, 2018 to be with his wife and two of his four children in heaven. Lou was a faithfully devoted family man. Born the son of Italian immigrants Louis Joseph Peluso Sr. and Marta Cazzola Peluso. He had five siblings, brothers Sam (deceased), Albert (Lyle), and Frank, as well as sisters Mary Louise and Frances (deceased). He endured the Great Depression as a child and survived World War II as a soldier. He lived a life full of adventure, heartbreak, success and much happiness. Lou was preceded in death by his lovely wife Patsy, his son Terry, and his daughter Patti.
Louis leaves behind his two daughters Lou Anne and Marta, their husbands Adam Johnson and George Cotkin, 3 grandchildren Adam, Erik, and Ande Johnson, their wives Christina, Susan, and Kelly, and 10 great grandchildren Braden, Chase, Casey, Gracie, Owen, Knox, Taylor, Emma, Harper, and Audrey.
He was a handsome man, standout athlete in both football and basketball, and always a hit with the ladies. Often carrying his team to victory throughout his high school days. He went on from there to play football at Youngstown State University. In December of 1942, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps where he enlisted to serve during World War II. He often proudly shared stories of his days as a Marine on Ford Island, Hawaii, and of those during his time on Presidential Guard Duty at Camp David where he met First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. He was honorably discharged in 1946, and soon returned home to marry Patsy, his wife of 51 years, and the only lady that could tie him down.
They together raised a wonderful family, Terry, Marta, Lou Anne, and Patti. Terry, a talented athlete was a quarterback at the university of New Hampshire. Marta was an amazing photographer and teacher of photography. Lou Anne, the glue that has held the family and business together and in check for all these years. And Patti, the most special of all, could make the sun shine in the pouring rain. Louis was a role model father and husband.
Lou’s adventures helped mold him to eventually take over his fathers Moving and Storage business in Pennsylvania. It began with a horse and buggy, but he dreamed of bigger and better things. He was a risk taker and always said that “you had to spend money to make it”. He was known to barge into the local bankers office and demand a loan, not ask for it. Confident that he would not be turned down, if it meant growing the company and making a better life, he always found a way to succeed. Turned out the banker was a fellow Marine and the rest is history. Now in its 4th generation, well over 100 years later, the Peluso Family business lives on strong in Naples. Owned and operated by his two grandsons Adam and Erik Johnson, still adhering to their honest and fair family values and respecting and honoring the hard work that his father started in 1908.
Lou and Patsy retired and moved to Naples, Florida in 1983. The two of them traveled the world enjoying time with friends and family on their journeys. Often reminiscing about his trips to Italy to visit family, or Aruba to relax in the sand and casino always brought a sparkle to his eye. They journeyed to Vegas and California, loved cruises, and of course hitting the occasional craps table. He also enjoyed many years of being a member of the Rotary Club International in Naples. He had some great stories about selling Christmas Trees and the fun he had. It was more than a business networking group to him. Above all, some of his favorite memories were spent on Christmas Eve when the entire family would gather at his house to celebrate.
After his wife’s passing in 1997, he made sure that his beautiful daughter Patti never missed an event. He got her to bowling, swimming, dances, Special Olympics, whatever, wherever, and whenever she had to go. Always an unselfish man who put his family first no matter what the cost to him. He stayed by her side to the end.
Lou never missed his grandsons games as they grew into men, and was lucky enough to enjoy watching his great grand children grow and play sports as well. In his last weeks he talked about how he hated that he wouldn’t get to see them continue to blossom. While able, he always made his Thursday Trip to the warehouses where he would enjoy walking the property and making sure things were still in order before heading out to enjoy a steak at Jimmy P’s with his family and friends. Never had much of an appetite but always seemed to finish! One thing he did not lack was a great sense of humor. Joking with everyone up to the end!
Well Lou, here’s to that last steak dinner in the sky. May you be reunited with your lost loved ones, rejoice in the happiness, for we know there is no more suffering or sorrow. A life lived with no regrets, he said just a few short days ago, “if I had it to do all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Carry on soldier. You may be gone, but will never be forgotten. Your time on earth was precious and you touched the lives of many. We all look forward to seeing you again some day soon. We are comforted knowing this is not good bye, just a short see you later! You are officially relieved of your duties. Your work here has been a success. Sempre Fi!
In lieu of flowers the family is asking that you consider a donation in the memories of Lou and Patti Peluso, made to the Special Olympics of Collier County.
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