Peter S. Pulizzi was born April 15, 1933, in Rockford, Illinois, to Bernardo Pulizzi and Rosaria “Sarah” Lombardo Pulizzi. After his mother died in 1937, Peter and his sister Vita lived with their grandparents, Giovanni and Angelina Marino Lombardo, and their daughter Rosa “Rose” in South Beloit, Illinois. His father, Bernardo, married Lucy Fiduccia in 1939.
Peter attended St. Mary’s School from 1939–1944, where he sang in the Boys Choir, followed by Washington Jr. High and South Beloit High School. His first jobs included shining shoes at Palace Shoe Shop, delivering for Sunny Boy Bakery, and selling newspapers and magazines. In 1950, he met his future wife, Irene Daugirda, at the Coronado Theater.
Peter worked at Ingersoll from 1951–1953, beginning in the mail room and later moving into drafting. He also studied mechanical drafting at Rockford College. On March 4, 1953, he joined the U.S. Air Force. Peter and Irene became engaged on December 24, 1954, and married June 11, 1955, at St. James Church.
From 1955 through March 1957, they lived in Savannah, Georgia, where Peter was stationed at Hunter AFB as a B-47 bomber mechanic in Strategic Air Command. Their son Mike was born there on March 13, 1956. Peter also studied mechanical engineering at Armstrong College.
After leaving the Air Force, the family returned to Rockford. Peter worked in drafting at Ingersoll, sold used cars part time, worked at Burger Chef, and continued his studies. Their son Peter was born March 9, 1958. On December 8, 1958, the family moved to California, where Peter began working at Norden. Their daughter Saralyn was born November 7, 1959. Peter continued his education at El Camino College and Orange Coast College.
Over the years in California, Peter worked for Colman, Astrodata, Raytheon, Amway, SAE, and ITT Cannon. In 1973, he and Irene founded Pulizzi Engineering.
Peter died peacefully at home in Fountain Valley, California, on August 13, 2026, at age 93. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Irene, his brother Buddy, his sister Vita, and his nephew Brian.
Peter leaves behind his three children, Mike, Peter, and Saralyn; eight grandchildren Calvin, Joseph, Peter, David, Erin, Patrick, Jessica, and Kristin. Twelve great-grandchildren include Parker, Emilia, great granddaughter due any day, Josh, Alexia, Makenzie, Ethan, Lauren, Madison, Sofia, and Gracie. One great great grandson Everest.
