Obituaries

Peter Diaferia, 86, Former Marine and President of the Scarsdale Art Association

The following obituary was contributed by Dara van Dijk:

Peter F. Diaferia, 86, of Scarsdale, NY passed away Wednesday, July 16 from pancreatic cancer. A Yonkers native, he had lived in Scarsdale for the past 50 years and was a former President of the Scarsdale Art Association.

Peter proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. A former NY State level gymnast, he loved to hunt, fish and enjoyed all things outdoors.Peter was a graduate in fine arts from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. He also received a degree from Empire College at the age of 68.

An active and prolific artist, Peter won numerous awards for his watercolors. He taught many art classes throughout Westchester County and was an Emmy judge for many years in the field of graphic arts.

Peter left a diverse legacy of creative work still recognized today in the fields of: television, movies, film and commercial art. He was Television Art Director for the: 1980, 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games.

Peter was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Grace M. Diaferia. He is survived by his sister, Anne Marie DiBona; his children, Elise Ashe, Peter F. Diaferia II and Dara van Dijk; his son-in-law. Michael Ashe; his daughter-in-law, Wendy Du and his grandchildren, Zachary van Dijk, Jennifer Ashe, and Matthew Ashe.

A memorial service is planned for later this fall at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and interment will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery. An online guest book can be signed at: www.elbennettfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Peter’s name to his alma mater, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art at: www.cooper.edu/give.


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