Peter M. Pugliese

Peter M. Pugliese, formerly of Bernville, died suddenly in his Douglassville residence on May 30, 2013. He would have turned 49 on June 4.

He is the youngest son of Dr. Peter T. Pugliese, Bernville, and the late Joanne E. Pugliese.

In addition to his father, Peter is survived by his siblings and their spouses: brother, Steven M. Pugliese, husband of Sasha Trudnowski Pugliese of Bernville; sister, Patti, wife of James J. Rentschler of Reading and sister, Susan L., professionally known as vocalist Suzy Dalton, wife of Patrick Sickafus of Strausstown.

Peter is also mourned by his three nephews, Michael Q. Martin Pugliese, of Bernville; Steven C. Pugliese, MD and his wife Emily of Denver CO; and Garman Rhode Pugliese, of Bernville. Peter was engaged to be married to his longtime best friend and loving companion Jennifer DeCarlo of Reading. Peter is also loved and missed by an extended family of cousins, aunts and uncles.

Peter was gifted with an extraordinary intellect and had a lifelong passion for learning. He was a 1982 graduate of the prestigious Hill School, Pottstown, where, in addition to his academic studies, he participated in the school's theatre productions. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998 from Alvernia College, and in 2002 Peter was awarded a Master of Business Administration degree from Alvernia.

Peter began his business career as CEO of Milmark Research, Inc. supplier of Dr. Pugliese's patented dairy hygiene products. Subsequently he spent more than twenty years in the development and manufacturing of personal care products. Peter had a vast knowledge of biologically active plant materials and was a firm believer in the use of natural products for the treatment of disease. He was proficient in biochemistry and was a talented cosmetic chemist. Together with his father, Peter holds a patent on a topical anti-inflammatory agent used in skin care.

Currently, Dr. Pugliese and his son were involved in the development of two other therapeutic topical pain treatments. Peter was afflicted with juvenile arthritis as a young child, and conducted research with his father to alleviate the pain suffered by others with the disease.

In recent years, Peter began a second career in jewelry and precious metals, holding certificates of completion from Gemological Institute of America in the requirements for Colored Stone Essentials, Diamond Essentials and Diamond Grading. He had recently secured a location to open a store in Douglassville.

Peter had an adventurous spirit and a particular love of motorcycles and airplanes. He held a private pilot's license for over twenty years and was instrument rated. He also earned a brown belt in Karate.

Peter was an avid woodworking hobbyist, and particularly enjoyed making chess boards, clocks, tables, and unique accessories. Peter participated in the family's fund-raising project for the Greater Philadelphia ALS Association. The Joanne E. Pugliese Memorial Fund supports in-home care for patients with Lou Gehrig's disease, which claimed the life of Peter's beloved mother Joanne in 2010. Contributions may be made at www.alsphiladelphia.org/pugliese

Peter was a member of St. Margaret's Catholic Church, Centre Avenue and Spring Street in Reading. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 10 a.m. in St. Margaret's Church. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m. in the church. Burial will be at Gethsemane Cemetery following the Mass.

Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.christfuneralhome.com