Peter Samuel Pesco's Obituary
Peter Samuel Pesco passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on October 2, 1932, to Samuel and Domenica Mary Pesco (née DiMaria), Peter was the eldest of three brothers and lived a life distinguished by intellect, discipline, artistry, and enduring devotion to family, music, and learning.
A lifelong scholar and educator, Peter pursued knowledge with remarkable curiosity and purpose. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1954, later completing a Bachelor of Arts in Voice, Opera, and Oratorio at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in 1964. He continued his studies in Special Education at the University of Rochester and later earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from SUNY Stony Brook in 1980. His love of learning shaped every chapter of his life, from education and language studies to music, teaching, and the humanities.
Following his graduation from SUNY Fredonia, Peter proudly served in the United States Army Security Agency from 1954 to 1957 and in the United States Army Reserve from 1957 to 1963. During his military service, he studied Chinese at the Army Language School in Monterey, California, demonstrating both discipline and an extraordinary aptitude for language and scholarship. It was during this time that he met Unkyo “Mary” Son, the love of his life and beloved wife, who preceded him in death in 2023. Together they built a family grounded in service, resilience, art, devotion, and quiet strength.
A gifted tenor, Peter devoted much of his life to opera and performance. From 1961 to 1964, he served as a tenor soloist with the University of Rochester Chapel Choir and sang at churches and temples throughout the Rochester area. He performed leading tenor roles with the Rochester Opera Theater and appeared in Opera Under the Stars during the summers of 1965 and 1966. His artistry earned him a fellowship at Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony in 1967, followed by performances with the Chautauqua Opera Summer Festival. Peter’s musical career ultimately carried him abroad to Germany, where he performed as a leading tenor with the Landesbühne Schleswig-Holstein in Rendsburg and later with the Stadttheater Hof an der Saale in Bavaria. While in Germany, he also sang as First Tenor in the renowned Bayreuth Wagner Festival Chorus, participating in one of the world’s most celebrated operatic traditions.
Music remained one of the defining passions of Peter’s life. Beyond the stage, he passionately shared his knowledge of singing as a vocal coach to countless students and later became a certified McClosky instructor for public speakers as well. He was deeply loved by his students, many of whom continued seeking his guidance and instruction throughout his final years. In his last days, Peter and his students would gather together for evenings filled with opera.
In addition to Mary, Peter was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Pamela, in 2024. He is survived by his children Jeanette (Peter), Paul, and Theresa (Bret); his son-in-law Warren; his grandchildren Harley, Griffon (Nichole), Garret (Nicole), Aurora, and Salvatore; his great-grandchildren Philia, Tallulah, Zay, Cecilia, and Delaney; his brothers Manny and Tony; and many nieces and nephews.
Peter will be remembered for the strength of his mind, the warmth of his spirit, and the beauty of a voice that resonated far beyond the stage. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the students he inspired, and the music that shaped his remarkable life.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. on May 30 at Mountain View Memorial Park and Funeral Home in the Garden Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Peter’s name to Parkinson’s research.
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