Mr. Peter J Fama

Peter James Fama passed away on Thursday, March 16th, surrounded by his family and tunes from his favorite band, The Grateful Dead. Peter was born on November 8, 1953, the only son of the late Frances Fittapaldo and Stellario Fama in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Queen of All Saints grammar school and Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ann, three daughters: Lisa Lankford (Joseph), Christina Fama-Keane (Christopher), Laura Deer (Charlie), and four grandchildren: Alexa, Jenna, Joseph and Tyler. Pete worked for New York Telephone (and its successors) climbing the poles before his promotion to a management training position. In 1989, while working full time and raising three young children, he decided to go to college as an evening student, first at St. Francis College, then transferring to Fordham University (Lincoln Center), where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and with honors in 1995. Not yet done with his education, he then entered the Night Program at Fordham Law School, where he was president of the OWLS (Older, Wiser, Law Students), graduating in 1999. In 2005, Pete retired from the phone company and became an Administrative Law Judge for the City of New York, Parking Violations Bureau. Pete administered justice fairly and evenly, perhaps to a fault, as no one who disobeyed the law was safe, not even Santa Clause, whose ticket for double parking while dropping off presents for children was upheld by Pete! In 2010, Pete suffered a stroke, but following months of intense rehabilitation, recovered and resumed working. He suffered a second stroke in 2019, after which he retired. Despite the devastating effects of that stroke, he loved life and lived it. Pete loved NY Yankee baseball (holding season tickets for many years in the upper deck right behind home plate); photographing lighthouses; fishing; Disney World; The Grateful Dead; spending time with his grandchildren; and teasing his wife, Ann. Pete fondly recalled trips with Ann to the National Parks out west in 2006 and a 40th Anniversary tour of Italy in 2016. He also enjoyed frequent trips to Ocean City, NJ from the late 1970’s onward, even until the weekend before his passing. He loved all animals and never got mad at his children for bringing a stray or two home. He will be missed by his family and all who knew him as a friend or colleague. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dementia Society of America. https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate

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Mr. Peter J Fama

November 8, 1953 - March 16, 2023