Peter J. Antonini

Peter (Pietro) Antonini, beloved husband, father, grandfather, stepfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. Above all else, Peter was devoted to his family, and he is survived by his loving wife, Joyce McAuliffe of East Sandwich; his late son, Ryan Antonini (predeceased); his daughter, Colleen Bruetsch, her husband, Jason, and their daughter, Teagan, of Pembroke; his daughter, Erin Antonini of East Boston; his grandson, Peter Antonini, and Peter’s mother, Sarah Blake of Yarmouth; his stepson, Matt McAuliffe, his wife, Ellen, and their sons, MJ and Max, of Centerville; and his sister, Mary Lou Antonini of Somerville. He was predeceased by his brother, Luciano "Lucky" Antonini, his sister, Claudia Perault and his stepson, Ryan McAuliffe.

Peter was born on March 19, 1950, in Asolo, Italy, the son of the late Antonio and Maria Antonini. He immigrated to the United States with his family through Ellis Island, New York and grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts. He later built a home in Plymouth for his family, where he raised his children.

In 2007, Peter and Joyce bought their home in East Sandwich, the location being convenient for their working lives. Peter referred to himself as “The Maker” as he loved creating and renovating their home over the years including his own vegetable garden proudly adorned with a plaque he made “Pete’s Patch”.

After graduating from Somerville Trade High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Peter proudly served his country from 1969 to 1973 as Avionics System Specialist. After his military service, he worked as a carpenter and electrician before joining the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he spent more than 30 years and served as Supervisor Electronics Technician until his retirement in 2017.

Peter found great joy in staying active. He loved playing golf, tennis, pickleball, lobstering on the canal for 30 years, woodworking, gardening and spending time with his many cherished friends and neighbors. He valued the friendships he built over decades, both through his career and on the courts and golf courses. Most of all, he treasured time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and cherished the moments with his wife, Joyce, whose companionship and shared hobbies, (pickleball, golf and tennis, their almost daily luncheon cribbage games), brought him great happiness and fulfillment.

Peter will be remembered for his kindness, steady presence, quick wit and dry sense of humor that brought warmth and laughter wherever he went. He had a remarkable ability to fix or build just about anything. His legacy lives on through the family he adored, the friendships he nurtured and the many lives he touched.

A private service will be held at Massachusetts National Cemetery. A celebration of life will be scheduled and shared at a later date.