Peter Bongiovanni

Pietro Bongiovanni, 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Murrieta, California. He was born on October 3, 1932, in Alcamo, Sicily, to Francesco and Antonietta Bongiovanni and grew up with his sisters, Vincenza and Angela. His early years on the family farm, surviving malaria, and witnessing World War II instilled in him resilience, gratitude, and a lifelong work ethic. At 17, he immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, through Ellis Island where he became Peter, and embraced the opportunities that would define his future.

In New York, Peter advanced from sweeping floors to sewing at a clothing factory after studying pattern making at night school and later trained as a butcher in a career that would span 42 years. As a young man, he enjoyed playing soccer in Bushwick Park, concerts at Carnegie Hall, and social gatherings, one of which was Lucy Collica’s birthday party, where he met the love of his life. Peter and Lucy married on November 19, 1957, beginning a 68-year partnership.

Peter and Lucy welcomed their sons, Frank and Matthew, in Queens, New York, in 1958 and 1961, and in April 1968 moved to Downey, California, fulfilling Peter’s dream of living in a warm, beautiful place that reminded him of Sicily. Later that year, their third son, Mario, was born. Peter’s love for the land flourished as he and Lucy raised their sons, improved properties with their own hands, and built a life rooted in hard work, growth, and long-term vision.

In 1980, Peter purchased a 20-acre parcel in Temecula, planting more than 1,700 avocado trees grown from seed, tending each by hand. In 1989, he and Lucy built their home on Mariposa, where they lived for 30 years and a place that became “Grandma and Grandpa’s house” to their one and only grandchild, Janelle, in 1992.

Throughout their life together, Peter and Lucy created a home centered on family, tradition, and celebration. Peter was known for his sincere and openhearted nature, his love of fishing, hunting, gardening, making homemade delicacies like ricotta and wine, and cheering for Juventus and Inter Milan. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose legacy lives on in the land he cultivated and the hearts he touched. He is survived by his wife, Lucy; his sons, Frank and Mario; his granddaughter, Janelle; his daughters-in-law Gina and Maria, and his grandson-in-law Ray. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francesco and Antonietta; his sisters, Vincenza and Angela; and his beloved son, Matthew.

A viewing will be held on January 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Santa Clarita, CA, followed by a Funeral Mass. Burial will take place at Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary at 1 p.m., with a reception to follow.