Pietro “Peter” Giuseppe Carolfi, 53, of Collingswood, NJ, died January 10, 2024, of acute pneumonia, an emergent effect of a lifelong neurological condition. Peter was born with an unusually large arteriovenous malformation in the left side of his brain. Against all odds, he lived long and well.
Over the past 8 years, Peter became increasingly incapable of reading & writing or verbalizing his thoughts. His formidable intellect remained intact, but he couldn’t keep in touch with his many friends. If you were lucky enough to have been drawn into the orbit of Planet Peter, chances are you remember him fondly.
Peter was predeceased by his mother Muriel Carolfi (nee Macool); his maternal grandparents Isabelle Macool (nee Donnelly), Elmer “Duke” Macool & Louise Macool (nee Striano); his paternal grandparents Pietro & Natalie (nee Allegrini) Carolfi; and his sister-in- law Andrea Carolfi nee Morrell.
Peter is survived by his father Joseph “Joe” Carolfi; his siblings Joseph “Joey” Carolfi & Angela Carolfi; his brother-in-law Doug Slack; his Godmother Helen Wilson (nee Macool), his Godfather Francis Carolfi; and his many adoring aunts and uncles. Uncle Peter is survived by his beloved nieces and nephews: Isabella & Rosemary Slack and Natalie, Joseph “Joey,” & Nathaniel “Nate” Carolfi. Peter is also survived by scores of cousins; a plethora of friends; and wife Darleen Carolfi (nee Cibula).
Peter was an intelligent, silly, strong, loving, kind, playful, impish, creative and tolerant human being. He grew up surrounded by family and friends in Collingswood, NJ, when the entire neighborhood was a kid’s playground. He & his family spent most of 1983 traveling in California, where Peter experienced the magnificence of the natural world.
Peter graduated from Collingswood High School in 1988. He became an AutoCAD draftsman and worked for Carolfi Studios, Inc. In 2006, he married the great love of his life. He made homes for himself in Michigan, Philadelphia, Monroe Twp & Collingswood, NJ.
Peter loved the ocean, mountains, waterfalls, fireflies, roller coasters, rides, video games, electronics, computers, music, art, campfires, football, TV, reading, & movies. Most of all, he loved family and hanging out with people on his wavelength.
Peter was an inspiration. He took on life’s adversities with patience, valor, & tenacity. He was a kooky, romantic, unprecedented character of cosmic magnitude. Many people will simply remember him for his kindness.
A public viewing will be held at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. 6711 Frankford Ave. (betweenUnruh & Knorr Sts) on Thursday January 18th, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Immediately following, there will be an informal service at which friends and family may share memories of Peter. Further arrangements will be held at the convenience of the family.
