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Peter Iasillo, Jr., 63, White Plains Native, Actor, Theater Director

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. — Peter Iasillo, Jr. of Port Chester died Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Greenwich Hospital. He was 63.

Peter Iasillo

Peter Iasillo

Photo Credit: Contributed

Born in White Plains on March 27, 1953, he was the only son of the former Village of Port Chester Mayor Peter Iasillo Sr. and Gloria Iasillo. He was married to Robin Souter of North White Plains.

A lifelong student of acting and dedicated performer of his craft, Mr. Iasillo was an actor and director for countless community theater plays including "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Nunsense," "Little Shop of Horrors," "Bat Boy the Musical," "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean," and countless others. He was the artistic director for The Westchester Group Theatre and also the organizer of an African-American theater group; The Black American Drama Group. Despite being caucasian, he championed their cause.

Mr. Iasillo was an actor in many horror films including the original, George Romero directed, "Day of the Dead," "Spookies," "Killer Dead," "Street Trash" and "Skinned Deep," among many others. He was a TV personality as well, appearing in numerous shows such as 30 Rock, Nevermind The Buzzcocks, and USA's Up All Night.

Mr. Iasillo also had a stint as a self-created horror movie personality named "Dead Edgar" where he would introduce vintage horror films on Westchester Cable Access Television. He was a proud member of SAG and AFTRA.

Mr. Iasillo was an incredibly gifted artist in a variety of mediums. He loved drawing and sketching and also single handedly designed fliers for countless local theater productions. He had a rich singing voice and sang in many musicals over the years, even writing his own musical revue titled Bongo Beach Party in 2001.

He was a dedicated and loving father to his two daughters. He loved animals and took in/fostered stray cats over the years who would inevitably become his own. He relished his time spent with his children, animals and friends.

Perhaps the one thing that stands out most about Mr. Iasillo was his infectious and remarkably positive attitude, even at the end of his days, battling cancer. He was incredibly spiritual, believing strongly in the religion of Love and the Law of Attraction. Everyone he met would go on to become a friend. He was one of the few people who was unashamed to show his love for his fellow man and was always there to lend an ear and advice for anyone in need.

Survivors include his two daughters, Amanda Iasillo of White Plains and Rebecca Iasillo of Manhattan; forever soulmate, Robin Souter; his partner and champion supporter of many years, Susan Dicosola; sisters, Kathy DiMattio and Judy Iasillo; brother-in-law, Pat DiMattio; niece, Stacey DiMattio; best friends, Regina and Brant Singel, Anthony Valbiro and Sue Balfe; as well as COUNTLESS other friends -- it would be impossible to mention them all.

In lieu of flowers and funeral services, memorial contributions may be made to a GoFundMe account by clicking here to benefit his two surviving daughters and family. 

 Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Peter Iasillo Jr. and are encouraged to contact Amanda Iasillo via Facebook or at AmandaIasillo@yahoo.com to discuss the date and time of his "Peter Power" Celebration! As Peter would say: "Thank you for Making my Day a Whole Lot Brighter!"

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