Peter F. Mercaldi, Sr., age 91 of Bridgeport, beloved husband of Marie D. Fensore Mercaldi, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in St. Vincent's Medical Center. Peter was born in Bridgeport, son of the late Frank Mercaldi and Emily Nobili and was a lifelong Bridgeport resident. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with General Patton's Army, in France, Germany, Bavaria, and Czechoslovakia. Peter met the love of his life Marie at a 4th of July picnic, always saying "I lost my independence that day." Peter was employed with Sikorsky Aircraft for thirty-nine years as a certified welder in the experimental department. He worked on many prototypes including the first Black Hawks. In addition he had special clearance to work on the President's Marine One Helicopter. Peter was an avid fisherman, but his true passion was gardening. While at Sikorsky, he was founder and president of the Sikorsky Garden Club and many employees knew him as "Pete" who sold holiday plants in the employee cafeteria to benefit the Sikorsky Club. After his retirement, he worked in the Sikorsky Employee Store. Peter was a member and past president of the Bridgeport Men's Garden Club for many years, and won many garden show awards. He participated in countless number of volunteer activities among them were; the soup kitchen at Merton House, Beardsley Park Greenhouse, coach of the North End Boy's Club Little League in the late 50's and 60's, Taste of Fairfield, usher at St. Patrick Church, volunteer at the annual picnic, and decorated the altar for the holidays. Peter had other lifelong interests including; the New York Yankees and the New York Football Giants, often taking his children to games at Yankee Stadium. He was a force of nature, who possessed a sharp wit and generous spirit. He lived by the philosophy of there's more joy in giving than receiving. Peter found great joy in helping others and making them happy. In addition to his beloved wife of 65 years Marie, survivors include his devoted children; Peter Mercaldi, Jr. of Aurora, CO, James Mercaldi of Bridgeport, Vincent Mercaldi of Milford, Marie Mercaldi of Stratford, and Michael Mercaldi of Arlington, VA, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother Vincent Mercaldi. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 9:00a.m., from the Redgate – Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, and at 10:00a.m., in St. Patrick Church, Bridgeport, with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will full military honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call Friday  from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m, in the funeral home. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com