CALA BOCA! Peter Avaiusini, resident of Federal Way, WA passed away April 10, 2013 leaving behind a loving family that misses him very much. Born June 30th 1933 in Rio de Janeiro Brazil Peter immigrated to the U.S. in 1951. Whether as a brother, father or husband Peter valued the strength of family as the most cherished of all life’s gifts. He leaves behind his wife of 54 years -Joanne, his 5 K’s – Kim Reilly (Dan), Kara Peterson (Tim), Kelly Eschbach (Eric), Kirk and Kory Avaiusini (Amy) and grandchildren Austin, Katie, Allison, Erin, Olivia and Charlie.
Known as the Brazilian Nut he loved to laugh, enjoyed a good joke and could be heard threatening to speak Portuguese to you, call you a little dippy or telling you to Cala Boca! all with a smile on his face. Even his license plate was emblazoned with his nickname “BRAZNUT” in bright yellow and green coincidentally the colors of his home country.
A realtor, Peter took pride in helping people find their new home in the greater Seattle area for over 30 years. Home ownership was something very close to his heart and as an avid gardener and self taught handyman Peter always kept a neatly groomed yard and well maintained home to the point of even picking the weeds out the grass was not beyond his quest for a perfect yard.
As a young immigrant from Brazil, 18-year-old Pedro came to this country on his own, speaking no English and with no personal connections made his way in a foreign country determined to make it his home. His first few weeks were spent trying to get acclimated and he found comfort eating at the same café every day. Unfortunately his inability to communicate effectively condemned him to a diet of only hamburgers. When he finally made a friend that he was able to speak with his first request was to help teach him how to order something other than a hamburger a dislike that he carried with him for the rest of his life.
Peter took great pride in being an American to the point of changing his name to sound more American. While he spoke perfect English his deep voice and thick accent gave away the fact that he came from somewhere besides here. He served in the U.S. Army for two years prior to becoming a naturalized citizen and you could often see an American flag flying in his yard.
Family surrounded him at the time of his passing, as he would have wanted it. Farewell to our father, friend and husband – you will always be remembered and missed.
Services to be held
April 16th at 11am
Saint Vincent de Paul Parish
30525 8th Ave South
Federal Way, WA 98003
Reception immediately following at Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club
