Obituary
Pietro “Pete” Cali, 94, of Palmyra passed away on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, at the M.S.
Hershey Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rosa (Vaccaro)
Cali.
Born in Casteldaccia, Italy on May 6th, 1929, he was the son of the late Salvatore and
Pietrina (Martorana) Cali. He was the owner of five pizzerias in Queens, New York located
on 117th street and along Jamaica Avenue from 117th street to Atlantic Avenue. He
migrated to Lebanon County in the late 1960’s, opening Roma Pizza in Lebanon,
Myerstown, Palmyra, and Annville.
Pete loved his family with all his hea rt. He was always mentioning the days at Coney
Island with his wife Rosa and his children Pietrina and Paola, walking the boardwalk and
enjoying time with family. He was a very ambitious and successful
entrepreneur/restaurateur, who loved people! He enjoyed helping others and making
people smile…everyone was a friend to him! Pete engaged in light-hearted banter and
shared his indigenous recipes from Sicily with his customers and friends.
Prior to immigrating to the United States, Pete and his father owned and o perated lemon
farms. At age 26 Pete immigrated to the United States of America with only the clothes he
was wearing, risking his life on the two-week voyage by ship for freedom and a better
opportunity. He settled in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York, where he began working at
Romano’s restaurants as a prep cook and eventually learned how to make pizza. He
landed his first pizzeria job at Lenny’s Pizza in Brooklyn, New York. Shortly after, he
ventured out on his own, bought his first pizzeria in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York,
where he also bought his first home. He then bought 4 additional pizzerias along Jamaica
Avenue in Queens, New York. Throughout this time, he had helped bring many of his
family members to America, teaching them the pizzeria trade and helping them open their
own pizzeria’s. Pete first met his wife Rosa Vaccaro in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York
and was a proud father to both of his daughters, Pietrina and Paola. After visiting his
sister-in-law in Annville, Pennsylvania, Pete and his wife decided to open the first Italian –
New York pizzeria on Cumberland Street in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Shortly after moving
his family into their first Pennsylvania residence in Annville, Pete began opening additional
Roma Pizzeria’s throughout Lebanon County ( Myerstown, Palmyra, and Annville), helping
family members learn the trade and operating locations in both Lebanon and Lancaster
County until they were able to be on their own.
He was a member of Holy Spirit Church in Palm yra, and was a wonderful husband, father,
grandfather, and friend to many. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Pete also had a passion for dancing; Pete was known to be the last one to step away from
the dance floor. Day trips to the beach and walking on the boardwalk were some of his
most favorite activities during the summer months. For those who knew Pete, he also
loved gardening and landscaping. He loved to talk with his customers and form new
friendships.
Surviving are two daughters, Paola of Palmyra, Pietrina, wife of Salvatore of Annville, a
sister Maria of Annville, and two grandchildren, Giovanni, and Angela. In addition, he had
many nephews, and nieces. He was preceded in death by two brothers Onofrio, Giovanni
and sister, Giacinta.
A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024, from 6:00PM-8:00PM at
Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 618 E. Main St., Annville, PA 17003. An
additional public viewing will be held on Thursday, March 14th, 2024, from 10:00AM-
11:00AM at the Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:00PM on
Thursday, March 14th, 2024, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 300 W. Pine St., Palmyra, PA
17078. Interment will be held in Grand View Memorial Park, Annville. Kreamer Funeral
Home and Crematory, Annville is handling arrangements.