Peter J. Zarantonello, age 88 of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully Friday, August 12, 2022 at St. Mary Medical Center after a valiant fight. Peter was born into a large family as the youngest of five children on September 3, 1933 in Michigan City, Indiana to the late John and Regina Zarantonello. Peter was raised in the Catholic Church serving as an altar server as a young boy and attending Catholic high School. As a young man, he wanted to be a priest but his family forbid it. He joined the United States Navy during peace time and served as an airplane mechanic. Peter retired from Inland Steel where he worked as a Crane Operator. His hobbies included water skiing, football, swimming, boating, fishing and riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his wife, Lipa Chavez Zarantonello; stepsons, Carlos (Tanja) Chavez of Sharon, MA, Sergio Samuel (Susan) Chavez of Nashville, IN, Fidel George Chavez of Wheatfield, IN; stepdaughters, Juanita (Conrad) Rusin of Las Vegas, NV, Nancy (Michael) Roessing of Valparaiso, Marti (Kirk) Hamilton of Frankfort, IN; many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Angelina of Michigan City, IN.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Hope Danielle Zarantonello; parents, John and Regina Zarantonello; brother, George Zarantonello; sisters, Margaret and Rosemarie.

Visitation for Peter will be held Thursday, August 18, 2022 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, August 19, 2022 at 11:00 am at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage. Burial of cremains will take place at a later date at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com