Pete Macchia, age 85 of Geneva, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2014. He was born in New Castle, PA on October 20, 1929 to Jeanette Strazze Macchia and Frank Macchia. He attended New Castle High School and graduated with the class of 1948.

As a young man, Pete visited Geneva-on-the-Lake with his family. It began a life-long love affair with the small village on the shores of Lake Erie. He made the village his home where he opened and operated several businesses. His dedication and vision for Geneva-on-the-Lake is legendary.

Pete, along with the help of his family and nephew, Bobby Nocera, opened his first business, “Petes Grill” in 1954. He worked the Grill in the summertime and during the winter months worked in Palm Springs at the famous Riviera Hotel under the mentorship of Irwin Shuman, who later became his good friend. Pete learned all he could as he worked in the kitchen, in the restaurant, as a maitre d, and as a wine steward in the famous “Chi-Chi” club, where he met celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Walt Disney and so many more.

After working in the nite club in Palm Springs, Pete fell in love with the entertainment industry and brought this vision back to Geneva-on-the-Lake, where he built and opened the Cove nite club in 1963. The venue is still owned and operated by the family. It has hosted many famous entertainers including Jimmy Hendrix, The Drifters, The Coasters, The Platters, Donnie Iris, The Jaggerz, Gary Glenn and the Jewel Tones, Joe Walsh of the Eagles, Jani Lane, LA Guns, Skid Row, Slaughter, Quiet Riot and Mushroomhead. He also promoted local bands and influenced many musicians in advancing their careers in the music industry.

Pete was distinguished for his civic involvement and influence in bringing economic development to the community such as the first condo project to Geneva-on-the-Lake which is now Sturgeon Point, the Colonial Bed and Breakfast, and by his strong support of emergency service needs by purchasing and donating Geneva-on-the-Lake’s first ambulance.

Pete was named Citizen of the Year in 2004, and honored as Senior of the Year in 2012. He served his community as a council member, held a seat on the planning committee and was a Chamber of Commerce trustee. He became a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus in April of 1988.

Pete loved life, he loved his work, his family and working on his farm. He raised cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and had horses, ponies, goats and his beloved German Shepherds. Pete loved to cook in his spare time and enjoyed making Browns Sunday meals for fans that came to watch the game. Pete had a passion for food and was the first one in line at a new restaurant in the area.

Pete was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanette Strazze Macchia; father, Frank Macchia; sisters, Virginia Nocera and Mary D’Antonio; nephews and business partner, Robert Nocera, and son, Michael P. Macchia. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Sandra Rennick Macchia; son, Peter F. Macchia, Jr. of Geneva-on-the-Lake; daughter, Annette Macchia of Kansas City; nephew, Michael D’Antonio of California and several great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

Friends will be received 3-8 PM, Monday, November 10, 2014 at THE BEHM FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 175 South Broadway, Geneva, OH 44041. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at Assumption Catholic Church, 594 West Main Street, Geneva, OH 44041. Final resting place will be St. Vitas Cemetery in New Castle, PA.

The family has asked that any donations in Pete’s memory be made to Geneva-on-the-Lake Police Auxiliary, P O Box 795, Geneva, OH 44041.