Remembering Peter this month, forever sending my love to the Canal family.

I often think of my dear friend, Peter, and have trouble accepting that he is no longer with us.  And then again, I suppose he is still with us, in all of the wonderful memories we hold in our hearts.

We will always have you in our heart.
Forever in our memories and prayers.
-Gali and Nilda

Peter Remembering you on your death anniversary with love and gratitude. You  left this world a better place, a legacy of carácter and faith 
Your presence may be gone, but your memory will always remain in our hearts.

 Maria and Jacquelyn
May you find peace and comfort during this difficult times

Till  we all  meet again!

Dear Peter 💫🕊️

You’re in my  🙏🏼 and in my  ❤️

I always remember you for your observations about life and your unique sense of humor.  Lucky to have known you my friend.

A wonderfully kind soul who was an amazing father and loving husband. Thank you for leaving such a legacy of love.

Peter was one of kind man.  Always happy to see his wife when he would pick her up from. I had the privilege to work with his amazing Maria. Peter played ball with my daughter in the parking lot of the hotel. Such beautiful memories, even though it was only a few minutes for me it will always last a lifetime. Mr. Canal you made a great impact on my life and I will never forget your words, family first!

ps-Maria is bringing more boxes home!

A heart that has touched so many lives can’t help but live on in those it loved. Peter, your spirit continues to live on in the hearts of all the lives you've touched. You will always be remembered for your kindness and genuine warmth.

It’s been 2 years since you left us and we truly miss you, like Maria said wish you could come back but I know you are watching over us. You will be always be in our hearts.

We think about you often Peter and we pray for you and your family.

These pictures were taken on the grounds of the Immaculate Conception Monastery in Jamaica Estates with some members of the Sts. Peter & Paul prayer group.

Maria, Jacquelyn, holding  you both close to my heart today and the coming days ahead. I love thinking of Peter and the many happy times we all spent together. It made me so happy the time you all visited us and stayed with us. Love you!

It’s two years today, and I still hear your strong words of wisdom guiding me. We miss you everyday. You’re very much alive in our hearts, always. 

The ocean will always remind me of you.

Happy birthday in heaven Pete ,  life has changed for so many while you are not with us. Your laugh, common sense thoughts, Alice  Cooper Songs always spark the great times we had. Continue to look over your family as a thought or time will make them smile. Give  big hugs to Daniel.......... 

Love and Miss you, more than you can imagine......

Your Astoria Brother Tom.....

Happy 1st anniversary in Heaven, Peter.
We definitely miss you around. Your smile is unforgettable. 

Peter Canal was a great person to be around and was not only a straight shooter but is someone who had a great sense of humor to go alongside it. Whenever I came over, he was always courteous and always asked how I was, how my grandmother is doing etc. He would always offer a ride home if needed and went out of his way to make guests feel welcomed and comfortable. Very approachable and can take as well as give jokes so well. Such a great personality and someone who was always easy to chat with whenever possible. 

The best memories that I had with Peter had to be anything New York Mets/sports related. He was an absolute diehard Mets fan to the very end and regardless of the team's successes, he stood by them and always had an optimistic outlook of the team. We would talk not just the Mets but the Yankees or football as well, he knew so much sport terminology. The other hobby that drew myself over was fishing. When it came to fishing, it was fun to hear his stories of the catches he had because it brought back fond memories of my dad's stories so it was always great to see the passion that Peter had when it came to that. 

Peter was well liked by everybody and was such a great husband, father and friend. He was the absolute best! 

I deeply admired Peter’s character, heart and adventurous spirit. He was a great listener and gave me that tough love advice I needed to hear to get me through my hardest moments because I’m pretty stubborn. He was never the one to sugar coat things. I’ll always remember your words “Never settle”and “save your money”. Thank you Peter for your guidance and being there for me. Thank you for teaching me how to pray the rosary and be closer to God. Missing you.

Forever in our hearts, always on our minds. 

Peter was an incredible person. I am extremely grateful to have known not only him but his son Daniel as well. I know that he and Daniel are together now watching over Maria and Jacquelyn. Whenever I would see Peter he would bring me comfort and warmth. In this crazy world we live in it’s truly hard to find such a genuine and loving person such as Peter Canal. Even during his hardest times, Peter would always find the humor in everything and everyone…..especially his Mets. Peter, me and my father love you and will miss you. We will always watch over Maria and Jacquelyn. Rest In Peace. 

Mr. Canal, Dad, Pops, old man, you will be well missed 😇! See how many names you allowed me to call you over the years. Thank you being such a tender caring second father. You’ve welcomed me as a second daughter growing up alongside Jacquelyn and Daniel. You always worried about my well being and where I slept. As I grew up you were always offering fatherly advice. I will miss how well calculated your opinions were, always reasonable and logical. I remember the first time I had 2  new dishes you were cooking and it was delicious! It was lamb chops with mint jelly and corn beef and cabbage amongst the many other dishes! I loved our beach days!! You and I would go swimming while Jacquelyn rode the wave 🌊 . Riding waves!! You taught me that 🥲. You tried to teach me to doggy paddle I was a terrible student but I was good on the wave. Road-trip in Virginia Beach!!! We can’t forget that. Pops your spirit may have passed your shell left behind but through my memories you’ll continue to live.  I love you old man ❤️ 

The way I knew you, a gleam of love  for us. A man of service, always helping someone, whether was picking up Don (may he rest in peace) or getting someone for a speaking commitment at St. Nick's or at In God's Hands. You're no longer suffering my friend.  May God Rest Your Soul in ever lasting Peace and Love. 
Thank you for your service, you will be missed. 

Forty some years ago, I boarded the railroad, from NYC to queens village.   I was on crutches and there were no seats.  Peter got up and offered his seat to me.  He was a very young man and doing a conversation, learning that we were going the same way, he  walked me  home.  My kids and I were friends  with Peter and his family for many years.  What a lovely young man.  I am so sorry for  him and his family. 

Been a long time Pete… I don’t know what to say here…I could start by saying you were a knight in tarnished armor…You stood up for me physically defended me when I did not know how to fight or swim and for my character…you wouldn’t let people put me down when I wasn’t there to speak for myself. A tragic hero that never stopped grappling with his own demons and defeating them …striving to bring your relationships into balance and supporting your family having achieved all that…you didn’t get near enough time in the light of your accomplishments with Maria and Jaqueline and all of us that love and care about you. The light that is your life is, in fact traveling outward in time- space and that will not end here now. I like the multidimensional hypothesis that sees us living out other choices and I like to imagine there’s one where we saw each other far more over these years and even now continuing, sharing time on the oceans together and the reuniones with all of us fellas that grew up together and had that bond of brotherhood… Pete is free

I was so happy to see Pete when he stopped by to visit me at the Alden Manor Post Office.  I still remember his warm smile... not knowing that was the last time I would see him...

Pete was a good guy with a big heart.  I will miss him dearly.  We used to talk about the Lord and he would always ask me to keep him in prayer.

Maria & Jacqueline, it was so good talking to both of you. You will always be in my prayers.  

"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed." Ps 34:18 NLT

Hold each other close & take comfort in knowing that Pete is no longer in pain. 

May the Lord bless you & keep you forever in His care.

My memories of Peter is how much he did for his family and how much he loved his family.  He would come  pick up Maria everyday. He'd walk in with a smile and always have something funny to say. He was definitely a kind, selfless person and as hard as this loss is I know that Maria and Jacqueline are being watched over and that Peter will still continue to take care of his family. Peter will be missed by many but now he is everyone's angel.

I worked with Peter at Sunrise Chevrolet.
Peter was a very kind gentleman. Always a good morning and how are you? I left Sunrise in August but always when I spoke with my ex coworkers I would always ask about him. May you rest in the garden of Eden always. My condolences to him family. 

In the short time I’ve known Peter Canal he was a very happy person always made you smile, he will surely be missed another angel got his wings .rest in peace Peter. 

Daniel's dad, Peter, was a good person. That was the first time I saw what a decent father looked like having one who exclusively spoke to me at a decibel level of 120, I only ever witnessed Peter speak tenderly and with kindness to Jacquelyn, his daughter.
Having grown up with a father who couldn’t go through a day without yelling profanities at my mother, I only witnessed Peter speak to Maria, his wife, with respect. He looked after her, helped her get into her wheelchair, held her hand firmly when she tried to stand up, and cared for her.

I saw the great empathy that men are capable of in him. 

Peter Canal was a good man who exemplified what it means to be a good neighbor, a real New Yorker, and a true American. He was a father, a husband, and a union member. In New York City we’re not only raised by our parents, but by the many people we grow up interacting with every day. Sometimes our neighbors with whom we share the floor of an apartment building know us more closely than our own relatives. I am lucky that I got to know Peter. May he be happy in heaven and finally reunited with his son Daniel. 

Thank you Peter for your legacy of kindness. I will miss you so much. May you rest in peace.

I am thankful to have had a long time friend and great person in my life Peter you will be missed and forever in our hearts. My deepest condolences and prayers to your loved ones. 

-Diane Fisher 

Peter was my neighbor of over 20 years and I am so grateful to have gotten to know him during that time. He was a wonderful father, husband, and friend. I’m thankful that I was able to spend some time with him and his family right before he passed. I’m so happy to have those fond memories of the laughs we were able to share. Peter will be missed but he will never be forgotten; he will remain in our hearts forever. 

Seeing Peter this past Saturday I could not imagine this would be the last time I would see and chat with him. Peter was a great friend and a great guy. We had so many good times fishing with his dad, card games with the boys and hanging out. My mom loved to chat with Peter and my niece had a crush on him. In 1976 Peter and the gang heard a song on the radio while driving around in his dad's car. The boys are back in town by Thin Lizzy. At that moment Peter named the gang The boys of Astoria and that name stuck with us over the years. Here we are now, years later our hearts filled with such loss and sadness. Rest in peace my friend God bless you and your family.

Peter you will be Miss, but I know you and Daniel are watching over Maria and the entire family. I am so happy I was able to see you before you left us. I promise I will continue to do everything I can to help as always. Will always love you. 
     
                                                                  Ian (UPS)

Peter was a very warm and kind person, I have very fond memories of him and his great sense of humor. feel so sorry that his journey on this earth was cut short but I know he is in a better place now and enjoying the presence of the Lord. May you Rest In Peace Peter.

Peter, the short time I get to know you was really great…we had great conversations  and you was always a happy guy..we’ll miss seeing you at the BBQ’S and your smiles RIP…remember we all loved you♥️💔.


 Our interactions were always at a 15 min minimum .Peter always made sure to pick up Maria from work so while he waited we were forced into small talk. Who would think I’d end up having conversations with the old man . ( he’d smile at this comment) 
It would become a weekend ritual, he would walk in with his leather jacket , a button down shirt open two buttons down and messy hair from the drive . Sometimes he’d compliment me and vice versa , he would chuckle and than ask how I’m doing .  Peter always knew the right things to say when our conversations turned emotional. He always made sure I knew what I’m capable of doing and becoming.
 
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. 

It was a pleasure knowing you Peter Canal! When we found out you were ill, my first thought was "we don't know how much longer we'd have you in our lives" I was hoping for a few more years "not months" I'll always remember you walking into the park during summer BBQS with your radiant smile and soft spoken voice, your great hugs and the way you and Glen would sit and talk the afternoon away. I always got a laugh the way you'd just get up and leave without saying goodbye.  When we visited you last Saturday I never knew we'd be attending your funeral a week later, but you said goodbye to us that day!!!! 💔  you knew😢. We loved you and will always remember you with a smile.....you've gained your wings now, fly high......

I remember Peter as a caring and thoughtful person. He used to bring in these delicious, pre-made salads  to work that came from his wife, Maria's job. ( Although I tried to get him to give them all to me), he made sure that everyone who wanted one, got a chance to try it.  Even when he was delivering pizza, he made sure I got a slice too. (He knew my passion for eating). He was definitely sharp and had a quick wit about himself,  just ask the Postmaster who was working at that time. When the Postmaster went around shaking hands and giving out Pens for Christmas, Peter wondered out loud if he should accept it  because it may have GPS inside it. I'm going to miss that infectious laugh of his. Peter was truly a kind hearted, sweet and caring person. He will be sorely missed 

My deepest sympathy to Maria and Jacqueline, and the many others whose lives have been blessed by Peter's wit, courage, compassion and concern.  Peter and I met as members of a grievance support group following the death of his brother.  Over the years, we have supported each other through difficult times, and he shared with me his love of family and dreams of travel and adventure.  A bit of a nag, Peter always wanted the best for people he cared about.  He set an inspiring example of self discipline.  I miss his smile, his laugh, his friendship.
Heaven just gained another angel.

Peter was a great man and my heart aches that he is not with us anymore but I know he will always watch over his family in spirit. He's always showed me great respect, love and trust. 

He strove to always find inner peace and calm in his life and I loved that about him, but if you cut him off or drove like you didn't have any sense he was not shy to let you know. 

I've learned so much from him the 10 years that I've known him. He's been like a second father to me busting my chops and giving me guidance and wisdom.

He has always shown love and support of my relationship with Jacquelyn and I will never forget that.

Rest in peace Peter we will continue to live and love in your memory. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Peter, when Maria worked with us at the Fairfield in Astoria. 
Peter always had a smile on his face and was always so kind. I admired how his love for Maria shined through every time I saw him. 
I’m grateful I met him and got to know him, through Maria.
Sending healing prayers and deepest sympathy. 
My heart goes out to you, Maria and Jacquelyn. 
Barbara 

Peter is one of the most authentic person I've ever worked with.  His complete personality is a once in a life time gift that he gave to us.  With all my gratitude and love he will always be held in great esteem  by all. 💯❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Beautiful obituary. Peter was a wonderful man. Loving, caring, A hard worker and so much more.  Swim with the Angels your on of them now. I told my mom to look for you and she will make you some good Syrian food 

I met Peter after he met his soon to be wife Maria, he was hard-working,  good humor, strong ethics and a wonderful man overall, I know I have pictures of him and with him but cannot find any at this moment. 

He was a great person and always had sweet words for me and my children. I'm overwhelmed with his loss and memories of him. Pilar hope you take me up on my offer and come visit us here in Florida.  You guys will always be my family. I know Peter is in a better place now and with no pain. 
May God have you in his Glory, Peter we will see you soon...

Monica

I am so honored to have known such an amazing person. Mr. Canal, even though he always told me, call me Peter was truly one of a kind. He was a role model to me, because of how much he loved his beloved Maria. Peter was kind, great sense of humor, and most caring. 

I used to say to him, "Maria has a lot of packages today Peter. Boy o boy, he said "not again".  

When we remember the ones we love, they will always be apart of us.  Peter you have brought so much to everyone you touched. I will miss you, especially the days when you would pick up Maria from work. 

You will always in our hearts and greatest of memories. 



Ill never forget all the good times at the Post Office and the great fishing trip we had on my little Dory. Pete  would always light up a room with laughter.
Fishing in Heaven now on God's calm sea. Fair winds my friend!
My sincerest condolences to his family.


Peter was a blessing to our prayer group that met at the Bishop Molloy retreat house.  Eventhough he wasn't a member for very long, his strength,  courage, and faith was evident to us all.  He was a dear man and he will be missed.  We are comforted knowing that he will be praying for us all!

  After Peter tragically lost his son Daniel, he continued to do what he always did, he continued to help  others. You can rest assured that 
Peter is continuing to help others in this earthly realm  from his place in the Heavenly Kingdom.  
  Peter, you are my Catholic friend 
in Jesus, Mary and Joseph for all eternity. We will continue to say a rosary together now and then!!!
             Love You,  Charlie B

Peter was a kind and gentle soul and we at the Saints Peter & Paul prayer group loved him. He was a very integral part of the group and we will miss him tremendously. 

I remember his sense of gratitude. He was always so grateful for any little thing anyone did for him, no matter how small.

Carin

Friend coworker(letter carrier)fishing buddy.Pete &I would share laughs&joke's trying to make work happy. Whenever I can't use fishing trips tix I knew Pete would take in a heartbeat. He sent pictures to tell me what I missed. Laughed when he threw rod&reel overboard. Now Heaven has a keeper. God bless u Pete.

Condolences and love to my cousin Jacqueline and Tia for the loss of such a great man 

Peter cared for ALL those who entered his life, whether they knew it or not 

I remember one summer - in my younger, more reckless years- we fought bc he saw me going down a path that just wasn't right for me. 

Thank you. My life probably would be filled with more turmoil and heartache if it wasn't for you taking time to care for me so deeply 

He was always a source of wisdom, strength and witty remarks... someone that even in the worst of times could make you smile.

No matter what life threw his way- his faith in God and love in his heart kept him fighting until the very end

Gone too soon.... but the memories of you will never be forgotten 

You will always live in our hearts 

See you on the other side ♡

I knew Peter as Daniels dad (my childhood bestfriend and neighbor). He was always patient, kind and very much adored. A wonderful neighbor, great father to his children and husband to darling Maria. May he rest in the sweetest peace. 

Peter was a friend for over 50 years as we went from childhood friends to adult parents.  I will always remember his  love for his family , friends and fishing  and of course that laugh. I will miss Peter for being the man that he was in loyalty and being genuine. 

Thanks for the laughs and now the tears as they flow. As Dr Seuss said, dont be sad its over but be happy it happened. Peter, thanks for decades of friendship and brootherhood. You are no longer in pain. Rest in Peace. 
Love and miss  you forever.

Tom Devlin
Boys of Astoria 

Maria and Jacquelyn,
May your fond memories help you through such a difficult time. Peter always took care of his family, and he will still take care of you both with Daniel by his side. Thank you for being a part of our lives. Love to you, Maureen, Gavin, Kieran and Conor


Peter was my brother in law. He was with my sister for 40 years.  He had 2 remarkable children. He was loved and appreciated by all who encountered him. He was a standup guy.  He will be missed by all. The world will be poorer out him in it. Fair winds and following seas. Til we meet again...

OBITUARY

Peter Canal

June 13, 1959 – December 13, 2021

R. Stutzmann & Son

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services