Peter N. Lupi

Saying Goodbye to Peter Lupi June 15, 1957 to December 31, 2025

Peter Nicola Lupi, a loving partner, devoted papa, and an amazing musician, sailed away into the mystic from his home on December 31, 2025. Peter will be remembered for his infectious laughter, sense of humor, playful kid-like spirit, and the joy he brought others through music. He was happiest when he had a guitar in hand and he was sharing his talented gift with an audience. He always said if his playing touched just one person - if he brought joy or comfort, conjured a memory, or spurred someone to get up and dance – then he had accomplished his goal as a guitar player.

Pete was born in New York City on June 15,1957. The saying: “You can take the boy out of the city, but you can’t take the city out of the boy” was most evident when he met his life partner, Kelly Riley. She was a nature loving, country woman and songwriter. The two met at an open mic in 2013. They shared the bond of music and played as a duet and then as a band in Bend, Oregon and in Moscow, Idaho, where they shared their lives until Pete’s passing. From Kelly, Pete learned to appreciate the outside world. He loved the trees and quietness. Pete’s favorite spot was a dense, cedar grove where he could sit and listen to wind moving through the treetops, the birdsong, chatter of chipmunks and the babbling stream.

Pete had moved to Sunnyvale, CA in his teens and lived there into his early twenties during the 1970’s. During this time the music world was exploding with many bands he came to love. Attending concerts at the Filmore and Winterland in San Francisco helped shape him as a musician.

Anne Marie Lupi was the only child of Pete and his former wife Margaret. Anne fondly remembers her childhood with Pete. He was her papa, friend, and even her playmate as he often was a kid at heart. The father/daughter bond was very strong. Pete and Anne took a trip to New York City in 2018 to visit relatives and show her some of his childhood stomping grounds. Pete enjoyed city time when he visited Anne in LA, Phoenix and later the Bay area. During one trip, he and Anne drove past his old home in Sunnyvale, spent time at the boardwalk in Santa Cruz and visited places that had made his formative years so special.

Pete’s music brought many people together over many years. After learning his first two guitar chords in the mid-sixties, he went on to play and perform with more than a dozen bands. His family, friends and former bandmates will forever remember his lead guitar playing. It was innovative, intricate and exhilarating. Pete will be deeply missed by those who crossed his path. His light will continue to shine as we share his stories, his music, his silliness, his joy, his love for family and friends.

Pete will not rest in peace instead, he will raise the roof tops, by rockin’ out with the band of his dreams.

We will miss you, Pete. You leave a hole in our world ten acres wide. You will be forever in our hearts and songs. For those of us who shared the stage with you, we look forward to making music with you again.

Pete is survived by his loving partner in life and song, Kelly Riley, his beloved daughter, Anne Lupi, brothers and their families: Nick Lupi, John Lupi, Rohn La Coria, step-father Ronald La Bega, nieces, cousins and families, and many, many friends and bandmates. His parents, Nicola Lupi and Eleanor (Baldoni) Lupi have gone before him. Pete also leaves behind he and Kelly’s kitty, Benny, who stayed by his side through his illness and brought him comfort.

Instead of a funeral service there will be a celebration of life in Moscow, Idaho this spring (TBA) .

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choosing. Or plant a tree, sing a song, thank a musician, leave a large tip for a favorite local band. And remember to keep laughing.