Peter M. De Pietro

Peter M. De Pietro, 69, of Freemansburg, died on Wednesday, February 20, 2013. He was born in Bethlehem; son of the late Philip and Philomena "Lena" (DeVita) DePietro. He was the loving husband of Stephanie (Mast) DePietro, they were married 34 years.

Pete resided in Freemansburg all his life. He was a graduate of Liberty High School and a Navy Veteran having served on the USS Powers. Pete currently serves as editor for the USS POWERS DD839 Association.

Upon completion of his military service, Pete was employed by the Bethlehem Steel Co. Pete became active in the United Steel Workers Union and rose through the ranks and was elected President of USWA Local 2600. He fought for better safety conditions and served on the grievance committee at the Bethlehem Steel.

Pete was always a community activist fighting for many issues. In the 1970‘s, he served as president and chairman of the Fairmont Tenant Organization, to institute a beautification and renovation project. In the 90‘s, he was President of the Lehigh Labor Council for ten years and was also elected councilman for the Borough of Freemansburg. He actively organized the creation of the LV Workers' Memorial which remembers all workers that died through job-related injuries throughout the Lehigh Valley. The Bronze Memorial was unveiled on September 30, 1999 and is located at the Rose Garden in Bethlehem. He also regularly volunteered at the Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant, Musikfest, Celtic Classic, and Chriskindlmarkt.

Upon retirement, Pete became active with injured workers rights and became President of the Lehigh Valley chapter of the PA Federation of Injured Workers'. Pete also became President of the State of PA Federation of Injured Workers' Division. Currently, Pete serves in these two positions.

Presently, he is a founding member of the Bethlehem Steel Workers' Archives, which can be seen at www.steelworkersarchives.com.

He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Stephanie of Freemansburg; daughters, Christina Hirschman and her husband, Michael of Northampton, and Danielle DePietro of Freemansburg; son, Derek DePietro and his wife, Cassandra of Bethlehem; grandchildren, Nathan, Hailey and Isabelle DePietro; brothers, Tony DePietro and his partner, Arthur of Freeport, NY, Philip and his wife, Patricia of Whitehall, and James and his partner, Richard Begbie of Allentown; former wife, Carol (Morgan) DePietro; and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, where viewing hours will be held on Saturday February 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. A memorial service will follow. Burial will be private.

Contributions can be sent to the Bethlehem Steel Workers Archives, Inc., 77 Sands Blvd. Room 215, Bethlehem, PA 18015, contributions@steelworkersarchives.com or Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant, 3271 Garrett Circle, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Visitation
Saturday, February 23, 2013
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Visitation
Saturday, February 23, 2013
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Memorial Service
Saturday, February 23, 2013
8:30 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531