Anthony L. Peca, 88 of Batavia, died December 31, 2011 peacefully at his son’s home surrounded by his family. He was born August 31, 1923 in Batavia, NY to the late Samuel (Maria Michetti) Peca. Mr. Peca joined his father Sam in 1946 then later owned and operated Batavia Turf Farms from 1960-1997. He was a member of Rotary International, Resurrection Parish-St. Joseph’s Church and 4th degree Knight of Columbus. Mr. Peca was a proud WWII Army Veteran serving from 1943 to 1946 earning the WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and Europe African Middle Eastern Service Medal. He is preceded in death by a daughter Joan Marie Peca, granddaughters Catie Hoch, Heather Elizabeth Peca, daughter-in-law Martha Peca, brother John Peca and sister Jenny Irrera.
He is survived by his beloved wife Theresa M. (Bellow) Peca of Batavia; sons Samuel of San Diego; Anthony L. (Geraldine) Jr. of Batavia; John (Debbie Murray) Peca of Batavia; daughters Anne Marie (Richard) Starowitz of Batavia; Gina (Laurence Hoch) Peca of Ballston Lake; Theresa Peca-Baker of Burnt Hills; sisters Florence Lullo of Batavia; Rose Monachino of Elba; Margaret Worth of Batavia; Julia (Anthony) Scalia of Batavia; 14 grandchildren Jennifer (Shane) Caiazzo, Jessica (John) Heffernan, Jill (John) Kratz, Theresa (Guy) Pellegrino, Emily Peca, Justin Sager, Kelly Peca, Jaime (Brittni) Peca, Anthony (Leah) Peca III, Amy Peca, Robby Hoch, Tess Baker, John Hoch, Ethan Baker, 8 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call on Wednesday January 4, 2012 from 3 to 7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. There will be a 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday January 5, 2012 at Resurrection Parish ( St. Joseph’s Church) 303 E. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in his memory to his granddaughter's foundation The Catie Hoch Foundation 27 Southwood Drive, Ballston Lake, NY 12019. For more information or to sign the online guest registry please go to www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
