Peter Sala of Poughkeepsie, NY passed away peacefully December 14, 2016 just a month shy of his 89th birthday.

Peter was born in Lee, Massachusetts on January 31, 1928, the 2nd child to John (Jack) Sala and Julia Zanella. He grew up in Dover, NY and later moved to Creek Road in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Peter lived everyday with great conviction. He believed in a strong work ethic, honesty, a good heart and the sentiment that “the harder you work, the luckier you get.” It was love at first sight when he met Audrey Ackert while working at the Vassar Alumni House and on Nov. 10, 1951 they were married. They embarked on a wonderful journey together that spanned 64 years until her death in 2015.

Peter was filled with curiosity and loved each job he had more than the next. He served in the Navy (SeaBees) as a deep sea diver in the South Pacific near the end of WWII, started and ran a successful auto-wrecking business on Creek Road for over 20 years, and eventually became a real estate broker. An active community member in the town of Poughkeepsie, he served one term as supervisor, seven terms as councilman, and sat on the Assessment Review Board until his passing. He volunteered his time and talents to the planning of the Walkway Over the Hudson, Hudson Valley Rail Trail and Wallkill Rail Trail. He was a member of the Pirate Canoe Club, American Legion Post 37, Elks Club, Lions Club, Italian Center and VFW Post 170.

Peter enjoyed 50 years of summer vacation with friends and family on Cape Cod, a place he and the family have very fond memories. Peter and Audrey hosted over 50 Thanksgiving dinners at their home. He looked forward to his annual visits to the Florida Keys to visit his daughter and grandchildren and the many long weekends in Vermont visiting his son and his family. He loved gardening, riding his bike, fishing, reading, cooking, and enjoying good food. In his own words, “I live to eat!”

He is preceded in death by his wife Audrey, his son Steven, and his brothers Joe and John. Peter is survived by his daughter Karen Sala Lombardi and her fiancee Randy Sprey of the Florida Keys and his son Paul Sala and wife Carrie of Vermont; his grandchildren Anthony and Hali Lombardi, Kyle and Nicole Sala; brothers Louie and Vincent Sala; and several nieces and nephews.

Peter was an honest man and full of stories he loved to share. Words cannot express how much we will miss him!

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to the Alzheimer's Association, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 103 Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-4060 (845)471-2655

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