On Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 78 years of age, Peter Gattignolo passed away. Peter loved life. "Im gonna die happy," he used to say. He relished his independence, freedom, and always doing things his way, while constantly touting our Founding Fathers and their governing documents that steer our country to this day. In January 1962, Peter joined the United States Air Force and proudly served as an Airman Second Class stationed in Turkey. Pete was a medic, working in the hospital and on the battlefield. Finalizing his time in the service, he took an extended course in Photographic Fundamentals and graduated at the end of 1965. Pete loved music, art, photography, and being a business owner. Billy was his musical partner and close friend. With his love of the Beatles, it was only natural he played in two bands: Johnny & the Jesters and The Cherries. This was a fun and exciting part of his life. Pete wrote award-winning lyrics and published his music in the compilations Aint Life Grand and In Retrospect. These songs will live on forever and through the generations. Petes creativity came in many forms: cartoonist, photographer, and art. Art was in his DNA. Whatever Pete touchedceramic, canvas, and remote model airplaneswas made into perfection. In 1968, Pete went to beauty school and became a renowned hairdresser and shop owner of Sam Josephs and soon after built his second location, Innovators, in Wildwood, New Jersey. Pete won first place for best womens short haircut in the tri-state region of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. A major part of his happiness came from his family. An Italian immigrant, his father instilled in him a work ethic and a love of problem-solving. Leading by example, his mother had an in-home hair salon, fostering his future career. Pete loved being a dad, and it was his love that made life so special. His bright green eyes were always filled with pure love and contentment for his children. In his final letter, "I want you both to know that I love you with all my heart and that I always tried to be the best father to you. "I lived a happy and interesting life and had the best children a man could ever hope for and Ill be waiting for you on the other side."