Obituary of Peter J. Wintermantel

Peter J. Wintermantel THE FUNERAL FOR PETER WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE VIA THE FOLLOWING LINK. PLEASE LOG IN A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE MASS STARTS MONDAY AT 3PM: http://buffalomedia.net/01182021. Peter J. Wintermantel passed away peacefully Thursday (Jan. 14, 2021) at home, surrounded by family. Peter will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, brother and uncle. He was an advocate for his village, a true friend to many and always the life of the party. He was a native of Allegany and was born February 26, 1951. He was the son of the late Marjorie and Edward Wintermantel. Peter was a proud graduate of Allegany Central High School and he treasured his classmates of 1969. He went on to graduate from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Business Degree in 1973. On May 18, 1974, at St. Bonaventure Church, he married Barbara Soplop. They were classmates, best friends, sweethearts and had a loving marriage filled with fun and laughter for 46 years. He had a life well-lived, full of love for his family, friends and community. He was the unofficial George Bailey of Allegany and truly lived a Wonderful Life. For 41 years, Peter was in business with his brothers Dan and Mikel, where he was the face of Studio 4 East. He had the unique ability to connect with and humor anyone he met. Cheers had Norm, but Allegany had Peter. As a Village Trustee for 10 years, Peter worked tirelessly for the community that he loved. The quaint village that we know today is a direct result of his endless efforts working on the Allegany Revitalization of Main Street. Peter was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus and participant of the Village Players Theater. Many knew him as a local harmonica legend, never leaving the house without his pack full of harps. His passion for music led him to become a member of the Colored Musicians Club, graduate of the 2015 Harmonica Camp in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and band member of Willie & the Cat Club. Peter brought so much joy to those who were lucky enough to have called him family or friend, stepped into his shop, or enjoyed one of his many bluesy harmonica performances. He will be sorely missed by his children, Peter (Cassi) Wintermantel of Beacon, and Gretchen (Sean) Rooney of Syracuse. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Edward Wintermantel, William Wintermantel and Alma Rooney; two brothers Daniel (Leslie) Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, PA, and Mikel (Cheryl) Wintermantel of Allegany; one sister Mary Elizabeth "Prim" (Richard) Rennick of Crystal Beach, TX; several nieces and nephews; three sisters-in-law Suzanne (Joseph) Finn of Allegany, Margaret (Michael) O'Connor of Syracuse and Edna Wintermantel of Allegany; special cousins Carmen Soplop, Mary Jo Reed and Kathy Stevens, and all the many loving members of the Soplop, Peer and Tripodi families. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant brother John Patrick Wintermantel. The family will be present to receive friends on Monday (January 18, 2021) from 1-3pm at St. Bonaventure Church, 95 E. Main St., Allegany. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 3pm. Rev. James Vacco, OFM, pastor, will be the celebrant. The burial, and celebration of his life, will be at a later time. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; St. Bonaventure Church; Allegany Rescue and EMS, Inc., PO Box 218, Allegany, NY 14706; Allegany Engine Co., 188 W. Main St., Allegany, NY 14706; the Allegany Public Library, 90 W. Main St., Allegany, NY 14706 or to the Allegany Historical Association, P.O. Box 162, Allegany, NY 14706. Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.