Peter Anthony Massa

Peter Anthony Massa was born on August 3, 1932, in "the old neighborhood" of Brooklyn, New York, to Antonio and Consiglia (Ceravola) Massa. He passed away peacefully one day after his 93rd birthday, on August 4, 2025.

Peter was admired and loved for his kindness, friendship, gratitude and compassion. As he grew older, these qualities only deepened, and he became even more gracious. He was devoted to his wife, Nancy, whom he met at Junior’s Restaurant in Brooklyn, and was a wonderful and loving father to his only child, Debbie Massa Davis, and adoring grandfather to his only grandchild, Mia Gabriella Davis. His love and pride for Debbie and Mia were always evident, and his final words to them were simply, and powerfully, that he loved them. "So much love."

Among his other loves were his Yorkie (Tiffany), pasta, chestnuts, and pistachio ice cream from Carvel. He will also be remembered for his good looks, great hair, fashion sense, and pride in always appearing far younger than his years. Many described him as a sweetheart, admired not only for his appearance but for his warm personality. He enjoyed chatting and meeting new people, cooking (and eating), being in the sun, listening to the rain, watching "Natflax" on TV and watching YouTube walking tours through Italy on his laptop.

Peter and Nancy married in October 1962, and welcomed their daughter, Debbie, in 1964. Throughout his life, Peter had many roles. He was a Golden Gloves boxer as a teenager, served his country in the Navy as the baker aboard the USS Howard D. Crow, and later continued baking in an Italian bakery. He then worked as a New York City cab driver (despite hating traffic but loving conversations with his passengers) before eventually becoming a longshoreman, a rigorous job, following in the footsteps of his father and brother. His greatest role by far, and the one he cherished most, was being Debbie and Mia's greatest fan.

Peter and Nancy made their home in Mill Basin, Brooklyn, before retiring to West Palm Beach, Florida, in 2000. In Florida, they formed many close friendships, enjoying time at the pool, Italian American club parties, traveling, and cruising. Peter always cherished his trips to St. Louis to visit Debbie and Mia and until the end he dreamed of moving there to be closer.

Peter leaves behind a legacy of kindness, respect and compassion. If he asked how you were, he genuinely wanted to know. He was empathetic, caring, and always sought to make others feel valued and noticed. Not always perfect, but always striving to show love and affection, his life was incredibly well lived. He proved by example that life is not about material things or titles, but about how you make people feel—the small gestures and acts of kindness that touch people and remain in their heart. Life was not easy but even in times of pain or confusion, Peter left his mark on people by making those around him feel appreciated and cared about.

He truly embodied Maya Angelou’s words: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Thanks to the dedication of so many, Peter amazed everyone through the years by rebounding time and time again. The family wishes to thank FountainView Assisted Living, Capstone Assisted Living and Memory Care, and especially the angels at Palm Garden Rehab, where Peter was cared for, loved, and healed during many admissions. Deep gratitude is also extended to the VA and affiliated agencies for their many years of compassionate care, and to Betty, Peter’s devoted aide, who became like family to him.

Peter is preceded in death by siblings Anthony Massa, Lucy Ricciardi (Michael), and his dear lifelong friend Louis Pernice (Norma) who was a brother to him. He is survived by siblings Vincent Massa (Rose) and Rose Hubler. Peter and his older brother Vincent recently had the chance to FaceTime with each other, and it brought such joy to them both.

As a humble man, in keeping with his wishes, a formal service will not be held. A Celebration of Life was hosted by his assisted living community where stories, laughter, and tears were shared in memory of his unique kindness and in honor of what he meant to the residents and staff. There will be a Committal Service and Military Honors on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 1:00PM at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South State Rd. 7, Lake Worth,FL 33449, where he will be laid to rest.

The care of Peter has been entrusted to Quattlebaum Funeral Services in West Palm Beach, Florida.

In lieu of gifts, please honor Peter by spreading kindness and gratitude, and letting those you love know it.