Pete Samuel Sciara's Obituary
Pete Samuel Sciara, 76, of Memphis, TN passed away on May 3, 2016 at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, Florida, surrounded by his family. Pete was born in Memphis, TN on June 30, 1939. He graduated Christian Brothers High School and continued his education at Christian Brothers College. He was married to Mary Catherine Sciara (Koppeis) on July 2, 1960; they were married for 54 years. He began working at the young age of 10 at his father’s restaurant, Sam’s Spaghetti House at 73 Poplar Ave. In 1954 the family moved the restaurant location to Perkins Ave and renamed the restaurant “The Villa.” The restaurant was well accomplished by the 1960’s with several famous customers frequenting the establishment. After 11 years the Villa was redeveloped into a small strip center with a mix of tenants including a jewelry store, hair salon, restaurants and several other small businesses. Converting the restaurant into a commercial strip center led Pete to discover his second passion–developing commercial and residential developments. In 1984 Pete purchased 6161 Poplar Ave and opened a real estate company. In 1986 he acquired the adjoining property 6155 Poplar Ave and built Palazzino Restaurant. After many years of success, Pete redeveloped these properties into a commercial strip Center and opened Café Max where he was joined by his children in his final restaurant endeavor. Pete was very much loved by his family and friends and always helped others help themselves. He lived a vicarious life and will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife Mary, his children, Rose (Alan), Regina (Kevin), Carl (Kishea) and Sam along with his 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and the rest of his relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Rose, and sister, Charlene. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on May 7, 2016 at Church of the Holy Spirit. Father Michael Werkhoven will be officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery located at 5668 Poplar Ave. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Memorial Park Funeral Home (901) 767-8930. Visitation will commence on Friday May 6th at 4 PM to be followed by a rosary at Memorial Park Funeral Home.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”
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