Peter Dignitti

Peter Dignitti, age 92, of Newburyport MA, passed away peacefully at Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill. Born in Appignano, Italy on June 29, 1934, he was the son of the late Donato Dignitti and the late Amalia (Spinosi) Dignitti. Peter moved to Naples, Italy to attend high school and some college where he eventually met Margherita who became his wife of 67 years.

In 1959 Peter and Margherita immigrated to America to join family members and relatives living in Philadelphia, PA. He worked in the leather tanning industry his whole professional career as a technical specialist and sales representative. His job required that he travel the east coast so he moved his family several times throughout his career, eventually residing in Newburyport after his retirement.

His greatest joy was his family and Italian heritage. Even as his job moved him further away from his siblings he would still take his family to visit them frequently for wonderful gatherings with lots of storytelling, reminiscing, and Italian food. During the summer months when his children were on break from school he would take the whole family with him on his business trips so he could spend more time with them and visit more of the country together.

Peter was very passionate about gardening and always had a bountiful vegetable garden no matter where they lived. He was especially proud of his big juicy tomatoes. Other hobbies included woodworking, making decoupages, and creating all sorts of leather crafts. He also enjoyed planning and taking the family on camping trips. One of the highlights in his life was taking his children back to Italy to show them where he grew up and to visit all of his and Margherita’s family.

Peter leaves behind his wife Margherita; his son Bob Dignitti and wife Els of Keene NH; his daughter Linda Dignitti of Newburyport MA; his daughter in-law Patti Dignitti of Hamburg NY; his 6 grandchildren: Rachael, Andrew, Ashley, Gabriella, Gianna, and Dante; his 8 great-grandchildren: Caroline, Madelyn, Maverick, Elias, Isla, Quinn, Haven, and Jude who he loved dearly. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Rita Antinarelli of Italy and Maria Skidmore and husband Richard of Warrington PA; his brother Tony Dignetti and wife Mary of Center Valley PA. He was predeceased by his son Daniel Dignitti of Hamburg NY; his brother Adamo Dignetti and wife Clara, as well as his sister Giuseppina Bandini and husband Fileno.

In lieu of flowers, a tribute donation in memory of Peter Dignitti can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Memorial Mass at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 42 Green Street, Newburyport, MA.