Uncle Pete’s Park – A lasting tribute to a fallen soldier!

Peter Chappetto Park, Astoria, Queens

Our family and friends recently gathered to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the death of my uncle, 2nd Lieutenant Peter Chappetto, and we anticipated the 75th Anniversary of the dedication of the park named in his memory in Astoria, Queens. Five years after his death, his loyal friends petitioned the City Council to name a small playground in his memory. It stands today, after 75 years of use, as a lasting tribute to Peter Chappetto and the many others whose lives were sacrificed in World War II.

My grandparents, Dora and Charles Chappetto, received a treasured letter from the men of his platoon after Peter’s death. The letter extolled his bravery and his sensitivity to their safety. They said that they survived because he put his own well-being second to theirs. Seriously wounded seventeen days before the sad day of his death, he was taken to a nearby ship in the Pacific. He was buried at sea, leaving no opportunity for his family to mourn and grieve in a traditional way. The park became our place to pray for our uncle and for the others who made the supreme sacrifice. As kids, my dad would take us to “Uncle Pete’s Park.”

In 1999, to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the park’s dedication, my brother Richie suggested a memorial service. We organized it, and it happened on November 11, 1999, which was the actual date of the 50th Anniversary. Assemblyman Denis Butler (1926-2010) graced us with his presence as 50 people gathered for this occasion. Twenty-five years later, on September 26, 2024, another 50 people gathered to hold another memorial event. The ceremony included prayer, patriotic songs, tributes, and a citation from the City of New York. The rain paused for the ceremony, and we concluded it with the laying of a colorful (red, white, and blue) wreath by Marilyn and David Crum, representing the Catholic War Veterans. But the day was not over!

We then proceeded to make our way to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, a few short blocks away from the park. The participants enjoyed a delicious dinner in the newly created atrium and then came the “icing on the cake.” Gathering in the Lower Church, a presentation was given by Dr. Erik Carlson, Professor of History at the Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. Having Dr. Carlson there provided the audience with the fruit of his research and expertise. He has been diligently working on uncovering the details of the battle of Anguar, the very battle in which my uncle succumbed. His slide and voice presentation caught everyone’s attention, and his lecture was meaningful and understandable. We even had time for a question-and-answer period. It was a superb evening!

The legacy of Peter Chappetto lives on in his family and in his memorial park, affectionately known as the “cheese box” by the thousands of kids who have played there for 75 years. Stickball, touch football, roller hockey, and volleyball have been played in this park, which was recently renovated by the New York City Parks Department. All who come here honor a good and dedicated human being and a soldier who not only played the game of sports with excellence but also played the game of life with dignity, devotion, and dedication. Rest in Peace, Uncle Pete!