Peter Donald Setaro died peacefully surrounded by his three loving daughters on Jan. 11, 2014 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Peter was born in New Haven on Nov. 29, 1922, son of Donato James and Mary Genduso Setaro. He was the beloved husband of the late Elia Ferrucci Setaro for 53 years until her death on July 22, 2013. He is survived by his three loving daughters, Rosemary Setaro Valentino of Branford, Sandra Elia Setaro Murphy and her husband Gary of Hamden, and Lorraine Setaro of Branford; his cherished grandchildren Ryan Peter and Caitlin Julianna, who adored their “Poppy”; and his sister Dorothy Setaro of Branford. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law Rita Setaro, Mario and Maria Petrazzuoli, Joseph and Mary Ann Ferrucci, Angela Pellegrino, Egidio Ferrucci, Anna Costanzo, and Carlo Carbone, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Peter was predeceased by his brothers Michael, Frank, and Charles Setaro; and a sister, Rosemary Cronin.

Peter grew up in East Haven. His family owned one of those old pianos that have the scrolled music that plays by itself. Peter learned that he could play with the keys and create his own music and, at the age of six, began teaching himself to play the piano by ear. He began writing music at the age of 22, and has composed hundreds of songs, both instrumental and lyric. Peter had the great distinction of having Johnny Mercer, Academy Award-winning songwriter, listen to his first song entitled “I Can’t Say the Words.” Johnny was quite impressed and advised Peter to continue writing songs. One of his songs called “Compare” was recorded by Dinah Shore on RCA Victor records and was listed on Billboard’s Top 10 in 1956. Subsequently, he was selected by the Yale University Yale Collegians 22-piece orchestra to play his song “I Can’t Say the Words” at Sprague Hall.

Peter has been a member of ASCAP, a performance society, which pays royalties for radio and television performances to both the writers and publishers. His songs have been played on radio stations all over the country, as well as on television. He also had his songs performed overseas via Armed Forces Radio as well as on radio stations in Denmark, Sweden, Great Britain, etc. He was still receiving royalties from ASCAP.

Peter lost his own father at a very young age and he was looked upon as a father figure to his mother and his siblings. Peter was a realtor in his own business, Setaro Real Estate, in East Haven for many years until he retired in 2001. He also played piano in many nightclubs. He was a handsome and talented piano player and always had beautiful women fawning over him. His bachelorhood came to an end, however, when he met and fell in love. He always tells the story, with a wink, of how he met Elia under the pipes in the basement of the home he was showing to her family when they arrived from Italy. He began learning the Italian language so that he could communicate with her and her family. Elia was engaged to a gentleman who was still in Italy but broke off her engagement when she fell in love with Peter. He began teaching her English while they were courting.

Peter took great joy in the simple things in life and was a shining example of living a life of gratitude. He had an upbeat, positive, and fun-loving personality. He was good-natured, had a great sense of humor, and could light up a room with his presence. He always saw the best in people and had a positive outlook in all life situations; always looking at the glass as half full rather than half empty. He could always be counted on for his wisdom and guidance. He was an avid reader and had a great love of history and nature. He loved the challenge of game show questions and always got the correct answer. He had an extensive collection of stamped envelopes. He was a great lover of UConn men’s basketball.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Jan. 15 at St. Mary Church. Burial followed in St. Agnes Cemetery. The W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, Branford, was in charge of arrangements.