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Peter F. Esposito, 88
February 20, 2019
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Peter Francis Esposito passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, February 20, 2019, at his home in North Adams surrounded by family.
He was born in North Adams, Mass., on July 5, 1930, a son of Anita and Frank Esposito. He attended local schools. In July of 1946 he successfully completed his first solo aircraft flight on his 16th Birthday in Williamstown, Ma.
From 1948 until 1957 he served as a Technical Sergeant on the B25 aircraft for the United States Air Force based in Enid, OK. In 1958 he returned home to North Adams to fly for Mohawk Valley Aviation.
In 1959 he joined Sprague Aviation and served as a Senior Captain until 1987, logging more than 14,000 hours as pilot in command. During that time he received numerous National flying awards and safety commendations.
After retiring in 1987 from Sprague Aviation he established and operated Esposito Flying Service, Inc., a charter and flight instruction service based here in North Adams until 2004. During that time he also served as a Captain for JHM Leasing of Pittsfield, Mass., from 1986 until 2013.
Esposito was also a nationally recognized Air Show and acrobatic pilot who flew hundreds of airshows and competed in numerous competitions. In 1977 he was one of the founding members of Northeast Airshows. Flying his beloved Pitts Special he performed seven shows here in North Adams, the final one in 1999.
On June 30th of 1962, he married the former Marian (Mimi) Welch of North Adams. They had two sons, Peter Welch Esposito and Paul William Esposito, who is married to his wife Kristina.
He is survived by his wife and two sons; three grandchildren, Meghan Welch Esposito, Neal William Esposito and Owen Paul Esposito; two brothers Francis of North Adams, and John of Portsmouth, N.H.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother Donald and sister Marie Moon, both of North Adams. Peter's family would like to thank his caregiver, Gayle Gillooly and her daughter, Maria for their care and compassion.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Peter Esposito will be celebrated Saturday, February 23, 2019, at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Westlawn Cemetery in Williamstown. Calling hours at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA are Friday, February 22, 2019, from 4-7 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.
Dear Mimi, Please know we are thinking of you and sending our love.
John and Jane | | from: John and Jane Allen | on: 03-13-2019 |
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| So sorry to hear of the Peter. My prayers are with u all | | from: Nanette schmidt | on: 02-23-2019 |
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Mimi and family.....
So very sorry to read of Pete’s passing.
He was such a sweet guy, always a smile
and a good word.
Condolences to y’all. Pete certainly left his mark.
RIP Pete........💙😢💙✈️
| | from: Ellen Dami | on: 02-22-2019 |
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| Mimi, We are so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. Pete was always great for conversation about planes and a good chuckle. If there is anything we can do, we are right next door. | | from: Greg, Robin & Ethan | on: 02-22-2019 |
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Mimi and Family, Sorry for your loss. I'm sure Pete is in a better place he fought a long and hard battle. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Betty | | from: Betty DiLego | on: 02-22-2019 |
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So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed talking to Pete and watching him preform in his plane.
Craig & Ellen Millard | | from: Craig&Ellen Millard | on: 02-22-2019 |
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Peter and Family,
Barbara joins with me in extending to each of you our deepest sympathy over the loss of your beloved Dad. You can be proud of his many earthly accomplishments and now rejoice that he is resting in the presence of his Lord.
Peter, Larry Jr often talked to us of the great relationship you had with your Dad . You were blessed .
Barbara and Larry Holm Sr. | | from: Peter, mimi and Paul | on: 02-21-2019 |
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Dear Mimi and family,
So sorry to learn of Pete’s passing. Please accept
my sincerest condolences for your loss. | | from: Diane Parsons | on: 02-21-2019 |
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Thanks Pete for bringing the boys and me up for a ride in your plane with Francesco, more than once!
Very saddened to hear of Pete's death - our condolences to the family. Susan & Family | | from: Susan Fachini Misani | on: 02-21-2019 |
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MIMI, PETER , PAUL
Will miss or conversations. Peter was always willing to
take time to talk. We always felt he had an interest
in our family . A pleasure to have known you,
will be missed by many. Sending prayers to the family
God bless, LOU AND SUE CHALIFOUX | | from: lou sue chalifoux | on: 02-21-2019 |
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| Always enjoyed my time spent with my Waubeeka golfing buddy Pete. Our condolences to Peter’s family. | | from: Ed and Judy Noel | on: 02-21-2019 |
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| So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers and sympathy to all of you during this time of sorrow. God Bless, and the happiest flight of all, soaring with Angels! Happy skies to Peter and all of us who enjoy flying. | | from: Patrick and Connie Gray,Family | on: 02-21-2019 |
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| Thank you Pete,, when dad passed away you did a send off in your jet over dads grave,,, it was the most touching thing I have ever seen in my life,,, your kindness will never be forgotten,,, still cant talk about without tears,,, Roar High , say hi to dad for me,, | | from: deborah turcotte murach | on: 02-21-2019 |
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Mimi, Peter, Paul, Melissa, and family,
I am so sad to read about Pete's passing. He was such a kind soul, and a good guy. I use to enjoy all his stories as we gathered around for dinner at the Four Acres. I had the chance to catch up with him, and was happy to see him. He will surely be missed! My deepest condolences to you all. | | from: Erica Pecor | on: 02-21-2019 |
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| Thank you, Pete, for being such a good friend and mentor all these years. We will all miss you at Harriman&West Airport. It will never be the same without you. God Bless You always. Carl | | from: Carl Villanueva | on: 02-20-2019 |
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| Mimi, We were so sorry to hear about Pete. Now he is at peace. Please accept our sincere condolences. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family. | | from: Kim and Judy Chapman | on: 02-20-2019 |
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