Peter Joseph Negri Jr., 79, passed away Wednesday, March 29, at his home in Wilmington, N.C.
Peter was born and raised in Milford, Conn., and graduated from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn. He taught grades 3-6 in Wallingford, Conn., for nine years, and then relocated to upstate New York to become principal of Otego Elementary School for 27 years.
Some of his achievements were Outstanding Educator, awarded by the Board of Education, and Citizen of the Year. Later, the new wing of Otego Elementary was dedicated in his honor. He retired to Belville, N.C., where he enjoyed fishing, boating and being involved in community activities.
Another move took Peter to Florida, where he actively contributed to the North Port Senior Center. After the passing of his wife, Bonnie, he returned to Wilmington to be closer to family. As a resident of Cambridge Village retirement community, he helped initiate and publish the community newsletter, became part of the new resident welcoming committee and helped implement and lead numerous resident activities. In addition, he volunteered at Good Shepherd Center and contributed to Snipes Academy, a Wilmington elementary school.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Roberts Murphy.
He is survived by his sister, Pam York of Bradenton, Fla.; daughters from his first marriage, Rebecca Negri of Louisburg, N.C., and Sarah Negri of Cary, N.C., and Bonnie’s children, William Scott Murphy of Port Orange, Fla., and Heather Cupelli, and her husband, James of Plainfield, Ill., and their children, Arianna and Jenna. He is also survived by his lifelong childhood friends, Peter Maher and Robert White.
Peter will be buried in Wilmington, alongside his wife, Bonnie, in a private service.
Words cannot describe the lasting impression he made on everyone he met. He will be remembered for his words of encouragement, his selfless dedication to helping others and giving back to the community.
Donations in honor of his memory may be made to Snipes Academy, 2150 Chestnut St., Wilmington, NC 28405; or Good Shepherd Center, 811 Martin St., Wilmington, NC 28401.