04/25/2026
Yesterday we said goodbye to the Patriarch-my father-in-law Peter. We are forever grateful for his kindness, wisdom, and the love he gave so freely. His presence shaped our family in beautiful ways. He’ll be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. May his memory be eternal.🙏❤️
Peter (Pandi) was born in Kamenitza, Albania in 1927. He journeyed to America with his Mother, Kostandina in 1936, where they joined his Father, Nuci, and settled in Worcester, Massachusetts. Peter did not speak English but quickly assimilated to his new American lifestyle and became a fixture at the Ionic Avenue Boys Club in Worcester. At the “Club” he learned to play many sports and eventually became a decorated athlete in swimming and basketball. When World War II began, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was offered an opportunity to become a swimming instructor but instead chose active duty, hoping to be on the front lines for America. He was deployed in the Pacific Theatre.
After the War, he returned to Worcester, married Pauline (Soter) Vasil and eventually started a family. He worked for many years for Bayer and Mingolla Industries, in their Highway Construction Division. Later in his career he also worked at Worcester Gear before he retired.
Peter’s passion was his homing pigeons. Raising pigeons was a skill he brought with him from Albania. He raised and raced pigeons for almost his entire life. His birds won races from distances as far away as Cleveland and Buffalo.
Peter leaves his son Gregory, and his wife Katherine (Kolas) Vasil along with their children Kristina and Michael. He also leaves his Sister-in-law Dorothea Vasel, and many nieces and nephews, extended family and very good friends and neighbors. He is predeceased by his wife Pauline (Soter) Vasil, his parents, Nuci and Kostandina Vasel, his sister Florence (Vasel) Petro, and his brother Michael Vasel.