Sheridan High School New: December 3, 2016.

Peter D. Facchinello

December 3, 1925 - March 21, 1999

 

Mr. Facchinello was on the Sheridan High School faculty from fall 1955 through the spring of 1985. He taught Civics, Physical Education, Social Studies, U.S. History, and World History. Peter Duilio Faccinello was born in Sterling, Colorado on December 3, 1925 the son of Primo and Assunta Facchinello, both immigrants from Italy.

 

The family moved to Littleton, Colorado when Peter was in grade school. Peter attended Littleton High School. He played football and was a wrestler in high school. He was a state champion in wrestling at the 98 pound weight. He won a scholarship to the University of Colorado but chose to go into the Air Force.

 

High School Graduation	US Eighth Air Force	Faculty, Sheridan High School, 1985
Photo credits: Sheridan High School Annuals from 1981 and 1985.

 

Peter was a B-24 belly gunner in the Eighth Air Force and flew missions over Germany near the end of World War II. He went to college at the University of Denver. He played football and wrestled at DU and was known as "The Might Mite." He graduated in 1954.

 

In 1955 he began his career as a teacher at Sheridan High School. He retired in 1985. While at Sheridan he coached Cross Country, Football, Track, and Wrestling. He was the head wrestling coach for 26 years and coached several state wrestling champions. He was an early riser getting to school between six and seven every morning. He never missed a day of school in thirty years.

 

Art Wollenweber wrote "Mr. Facchinello is highly respected for his knowledge of history and world affairs. Through out the state he is recognized as one of the all-time great wrestling coaches, as evidenced by the years of State Champion wrestlers." After retiring Peter was presented with an honorary plaque and dedication by the Metro League.

 

Mr. Facchinello passed away on March 21, 1999. He was 73 years old. He is survived by his children Robert, Susan, and Gina; his sisters Lee Vosler and Mary Gillen; his brother Ray (Ray passed away in 2015); and two grandchildren. He is buried at Littleton Cemetery in Littleton, Colorado.

 

Source information:

Unknown author, Annual, Sheridan High School, 3201 W. Oxford Avenue, Sheridan, Colorado, 1981.

 

Art Wollenweber, Annual, Sheridan High School, 1985.

 

Obituary, page 20, Littleton Independent, Littleton, Colorado, April 8, 1999. Via the Littleton Museum, City of Littleton, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton, Colorado, December 2, 2016.

 

Grave Marker, Littleton Cemetery, 6155 S. Prince St., Littleton, Colorado, 2016.

 

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