Peter A. Sangalli

Peter A. Sangalli, age 93, passed away on July 2, 2024. He was born June 8, 1931, in Three Rivers, Michigan to parents Battista Sangalli and Erminia Catto. 

Peter graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1949 and attended Iowa State University on a football scholarship. He transferred to Michigan State University, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science. Peter went on to earn a Master of Arts from Western Michigan University in 1964.

 Peter married Patricia Pomeroy at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Paw Paw, Michigan, on May 22, 1954. He then served his country as a member of the United States Army from August 2, 1954-May 26, 1956, including 17 months stationed in Zweibrücken, Germany.

After military service, Peter began his coaching and teaching career at Coldwater High School. He coached football and track and was a social studies teacher for six years.

In the fall of 1963, the Sangalli family moved to Gull Lake when Peter accepted a position with the Gull Lake Community Schools as football coach and teacher at Kellogg High School, later becoming a counselor and the school’s first athletic director. In August 1966, he was appointed Principal of Gull Lake High School, a position he held until his retirement in 1987. 

After retirement from education, Peter worked in financial services while teaching a course called “It’s Your Money” to GM employees. Peter was a member of the Gull Lake Area Rotary club, holding the distinction of being its only member to serve three separate years as president. A Paul Harris fellow, he was chosen the club’s Rotary “Hero” in 2014. 

Peter was an active member of St. Ann Catholic Church for 52 years. He taught CCD classes for 25 years and with his wife, Patricia, was among the founders of the church’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul, serving six years as president. Following a move to Kalamazoo, Peter became a member of St. Augustine Cathedral.

Peter is survived by his daughter Christine, son Robert (Beth), son Steve (Deborah), five grandchildren, and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia.

Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Augusta, Michigan, with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Ann Society of St. Vincent de Paul or to the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.