Jack Delago
Had a difficult time putting my thoughts in words, but Pete certainly deserves to have remembrances from all of his brothers.
Pete and I were closest in age, but were never the closest of siblings. As we got a little bit older, he had his group of friends and activities, and I had mine. That doesn't mean we didn't have some great memories.
One thing I remember is Pete's commitment to work. He always was one that didn't like to miss any time and that started with our first jobs. In our neighborhood off of Hendry Creek, there was a man that owned several rental units and a greenhouse. He hired Pete to do odd jobs probably when Pete was about 12 years old. It entailed mowing, trimming trees, doing some painting on the rental homes, and various odd jobs. Pete worked this job for several years...he would work a couple hours each day after school and usually a full day on Saturday. When I was about 11 or 12, Pete got me a job helping him. I hated working when I could be out playing with friends. But he would drag me out of bed and over to work and always looked after me. One time, the boss had bought a new riding lawnmower and after a while I got to use it. Of course, that meant I was going to get to play on it. So one time I pulled up near Pete and said watch this. I moved the throttle all the way forward and let off the clutch....and popped a wheelie right into a tree, smashing the front end of the mower. Pete saved my butt though....he used fiberglass to repair the hood and front end, and as far as I know the boss never knew. He saved my butt for sure.
As we got older, Pete got a car and whether he wanted to or not he became my primary means of transportation. He would drive me to school, to the movies, and to putt putt golf. He never really complained about it, at least not to me In high school, Pete became one of my biggest supporters when I wrestled. He rarely, if ever missed a match, all the way to my winning State my Senior year. Later, when I got married and had kids, Pete was a huge supporter of my children through their sports endeavors. He followed us through our trips to follow my son Michael.
After Mom passed away, we grew about closer as we did more trips to the Keys to help him and Dad pull lobster traps. When Dad passed away and Pete took over the home on Big Pine Key, he allowed me to use it as much as we wanted. Pete had a hard time going down, as it was just too emotional for him not having Dad there. The summer before Hurricane Irma hit the Keys, we did get him to go down and we took a group of my friends and family and worked together fixing up the place...redoing decks, putting in a new outside shower, air conditioners, and painting the outside. Of course, the Hurricane took the house away and it hasn't been the same.
One constant for us was our Fantasy Football league, which has been in existence for well over 30 years. Pete was one of the true stalwarts in the league, always ready for a new year. Just this past year he made it to the Championship game. It was the thing that kept us in touch probably the most of all, with the possible exception of our annual popcorn ball party before Christmas.
I could go on, but this has already gone on probably longer than most care to read. I can honestly say I truly miss my brother and wish there was more time. The end came so quickly it was just a total shock....and a lot of refusing to believe that it was happening. I am thankful that his final wish was carried out....he said that he wanted a celebration with family and friends having a big party, and that definitely happened. Friends, co-workers, and most importantly, family: over 100 people eating, drinking, and have a good time in his memory.
Until we meet again, I know he will be watching over his little brother just like he always did.
Jack Delago
