GRAND GORGE - Peter S. Tubiolo, 94, of Grand Gorge, passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2017 at Robinson Terrace Nursing Home in Stamford, shortly after being visited by his family.

Peter was born on Nov. 20, 1922, to Antonio and Santa (Agnello) Tubiolo in Rochester and was raised in the Bronx.

In January of 1943, he enlisted in the Army. At the time of his discharge in April of 1946, he found that his family had moved to the small upstate town of Grand Gorge. He soon followed them to the family farmhouse on Jump Brook Road. It didn't take long for him to meet his soulmate, Mary Ciaravino, who lived just down the road. Mary and Pete were married on June 10, 1950, and lived happily together for 66½ years.

Mary and Pete had three children, Paul, Marlena, and Patrick. Family camping trips were the highlight of every year as they would venture off to a different state park each year. In later years, when the grandchildren came along, they would head south to the state of Delaware where they enjoyed crabbing, clamming, and riding the waves at Bethany Beach.

Peter started working as a Dairy Herd Improvement Association supervisor in 1948. He was instrumental in the development of the "Dual Complete Feeding Program" which helped farmers get the maximum production for the least amount of money. He was passionate about this theory and the farmers tried it knowing that he had their best interest in mind. His farmers became like family to him. Many of their children referred to him as "Uncle Pete."

After his retirement, Peter was known for his daily walks to Sunoco for a cup of coffee with friends. Peter was an avid gambler and enjoyed playing poker or any kind of card game with family and friends. He especially loved his regular trips to Turning Stone, Atlantic City, and occasionally Las Vegas. He was easy to find in the casinos - you only had to look for his lucky hat. He also looked forward to trips to Florida with the Powells to visit Stan Williamson and betting a penny on the horse races with Aaron Powell.

Peter is survived by his wife, Mary (Ciaravino); children, Paul (Holly) Tubiolo of Conesville, Marlena (Lonnie) Nickerson of Harpersfield, and Patrick Tubiolo of Glenville; goddaughter, Sandy King; grandchildren, Michelle (Christian) Caiazza, Tracy (Robert) Fraleigh, Mary-Jo Nickerson (and fiancé Dave Madore), Renee' Tubiolo, and Christopher Tubiolo; and great-grandchildren, Michael, Gabrielle, and Angelina (Gina) Caiazza, Lia and Toby Fraleigh, and Peyton and Jackson Madore. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mamie Gockel, Jean Faraci, Ginny Wickham, Martha Rizzo, and Lena Rowe; and many nieces and nephews who are dear to his heart. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Antonio and Santa (Agnello) Tubiolo; and his brothers, Paul, Michael, and Joseph Tubiolo.

Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20, at the Miller Funeral Home in Roxbury. His funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, at Saint Philip Neri Church in Grand Gorge followed by a reception at the Grand Gorge Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, Grand Gorge Rescue Squad, or Saint Philip Neri/Sacred Heart Parish.