Kirikos Family Funeral Home, Inc | Truth or Consequences, NM

Obituary For Peter Nicholas Finarelli

Peter Nicholas Finarelli Sr., 80, of Elephant Butte, NM, passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease on June 11, 2020 surrounded by family. Pete was born to parents Camille and Filomena Finarelli on December 18, 1939 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his wife and love of his life, Sally Finarelli and his son Peter Finarelli Jr. and his wife Sharon Finarelli. He tragically lost his daughter, Victoria Finarelli, to cancer in 2014. He is also survived by his cherished 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Shortly after marrying Sally in 1957, Pete began his career as a surveyor when he took a position with the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. During his tenure with USC&GS, Pete and his family traveled the country with tight knit survey parties, moving to new locations 3 or 4 times a year. It was an adventure that included a stop in Alamogordo, NM in 1967. Pete and Sally decided when it was time to settle down, they wanted to land in New Mexico. It took several years before this plan was realized. The family moved to Alamogordo in 1973 where Pete eventually took a civilian assignment with Defense Mapping Agency working as a surveyor on White Sands Missile Range. After 30 years of dedicated service, he retired in 1996. After their children graduated and Sally retired from her position as Twelfth Judicial District Court Administrator, they moved to Elephant Butte, NM where they were based while continuing to satisfy their wanderlust in the RV community. Over the course of his life, Pete enjoyed riding motorcycles, snowmobiles, boating and water skiing among many other venturesome pursuits.

Over the course of a life of giving back to the community, Pete was an active member of service organizations including the Lions, Elks, Sons of the American Legion and Moose clubs. Pete never met a stranger. Everywhere the family stopped on their travels throughout the nation, it was not long before he interacted with everyone in the neighborhood. He had a big, strong heart. Always ready to help his fellow citizens regardless of the challenges they faced. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time.

Guest Book

Loved Uncle Pete. I remember making "Cowboy Salad" with him and the common love for turquoise and silver. He will be missed. Prayers and love Aunt Sally, Buddy and the whole family.

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Sharon. I'm so sorry for your loss. Susan from USPS 300 Main At, T or C

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Such a wonderful Uncle! We will all miss him dearly! To the rest of the family; I shed tears with you and for you. All my love. Wendy

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Sally, so sorry for your loss. We will miss Pete. Our most sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family at this very sad time. Love and prayers, Barb and Frank Kapela

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Pool wizard. Will truly be missed. God rest his spirit. Tom and Lucy mollitt

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Such a quiet kind man loved playing shuffle board with him in Del Pueblo, our thoughts are with you Sally,

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Sally and Pete. What a wonderful man to know. My favorite moments have been our early morning visits at Walmart, talking over Sally's grocery list, and searching out items on the list. Moose dinners always a fun night with friends and family,and most of all Shattucks monthly gatherings for food, wine, and music. A great fun man who will never be forgotten.

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I remember Vicki and I helping Pete with the White Sands Special Olympics, camping trips with the Finarelli's, going on their maiden RV voyage to Tombstone, AZ and all the laughs we had on that trip (my first time trying anchovies), and more memories qthan I can remember right now. Pete was the father figure I never had and these memories will forever hold a special place in my heart. To Sally, Buddy and this entire family...you have all touched my heart at one time or another and I send my sincere condolences to each one of you. My love to you all! Cheryl

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Pete was such a wonderful guy. We became friends with him and Sally at Del Pueblo RV Park in Yuma Arizona. He will be missed. We want to send Sally and their family prayers and thoughts. Joan and Nolan Wynn

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So sorry for your loss, Sally. I have so many good memories of Pete. He made the best bloody Mary's ever! Keep your memories alive. Hope to see you soon. Love, Connie

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Pete was such a wonderful man. We have many fond memories of our RVing days including camping at Elephant Butte. We will miss you Pete. Paul & Helen Stevens

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Kirikos Family Funeral Home, Inc | Truth or Consequences, NM