Peter Guy Tomasulo
Peter Guy Tomasulo, 70, of Stratford, died peacefully among family on December 17, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.
He was born January 20, 1953, to Betty Hald and James Tomasulo. Peter is survived by brother Edward Tomasulo, his sister Kim Brown, son Brian Tomasulo, daughter Jillian Brookes, her husband Stephen, and grandchildren Kate, Anderson, West, and Elle.
Peter had a passion for sports, and a calling for leadership. He coached and played the majority of his life.
Peter graduated from Staples High School in Westport, where he was a standout soccer star. He continued playing at Lyndon State College, where he met his wife, Kathleen Kenney, the love of his life, who preceded him in death. After they married, they moved to Norwalk and finally settled in Newtown.
Peter loved his family and friends fiercely. He was the person others called when they needed help. His family is grateful that Peter is at peace and back with Kathleen.
The announcement for the celebration of life is to come.
Honan Funeral Home of Newtown is serving the family.
In the short time we have, some of us are lucky and have our lives adorned by a few gems which sparkle and shine.
Pete was one of those gems!
Our friendship began at Bedford Jr. where Pete was a star in the soccer team and I was a sub. I went on to later play rugby and thought Pete would make one helluva scrum half.
But soccer was his passion and he continued playing into his 60s!
We each bought our first condos at Winnipauk Villiage in Norwalk. Loved having Pete and Kathleen as neighbors. We played paddle tennis all the time. I preferred having Pete as my doubles partner but even as my opponent I had to be at my best.
He was a fierce competitor but there was no swearing or racket pounding. There was too much mutual respect.
Respect was the foundation of our friendship. Pete worked harder than anyone I knew. And he wasn’t a complainer — even when he tragically lost Kathleen. He resorted to his amazing inner strength.
Peter chose to deal with his illness privately. I was forced to respect that.
When I recently went to see him one last time, his beautiful daughter told me he likely wouldn’t know I was there. So instead, I went to visit three places where we had memories together.
First was the site of Nat Goodwin in Norwalk where Pete was a super salesman on weekends. He sold me most of my suits etc. Then, down the street to where we were busboy at the Pier Restaurant. More jokes and shenanigans there than I care to discuss.
Then to Frank’s barber shop in Rowayton where Pete got the worst haircut I’ve ever seen.
Pete was in my wedding party and he loved visiting our farmhouse in Brattleboro, VT — with and without Kathleen. I wanted him up there more but the guy never retired!
Lots of great memories. One is embracing his muscular frame and telling him out loud that I love him.
Glad for that.
Ron Conarroe