Peter J. Certo

Lincoln - Peter J. Certo, 79, of Lincoln, died Monday, April 6, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted and loving husband of Catherine R. (Crimaldi) Certo, with whom he shared fifty years of marriage.

Born in Darby, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Joseph and Nancy (Mollica) Certo, he had resided in Lincoln for many years. Peter was, above all else, a humble and devoted family man who never asked for much and found his greatest happiness in the simple moments of everyday life. In his own eyes, his greatest achievement was his children and later his grandchildren, whom he loved deeply and was endlessly proud of. He cherished watching his children grow, guiding them with patience and quiet strength, and being present for their lives in ways both big and small.

He loved spending time with his family, whether gathered around the table talking, working through a puzzle, cooking, or just simply enjoying the small moments. Sharing meals was one of the ways he expressed care, and he treasured family gatherings centered around the table. He also remained deeply connected to his roots, staying close with extended family in Pennsylvania and maintaining strong ties to his Italian heritage. He took pride in his culture, traditions, and the importance of family across generations.

Peter had a lifelong love of music and singing. He was a member of the East Providence Community Chorus, the Cumberland-Lincoln Community Chorus, and the Providence Singers, and was a devoted communicant of Saint Jude Church where he sang in the choir. Music, family, faith, and tradition were central to his life.

Peter was a graduate of Temple University, earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in Mathematics. He went on to a career as a real estate broker and insurance agent, owning and operating the former Century 21 Certo Agency, ERA Certo Agency and Peter J. Certo Insurance Agency in Lincoln and East Providence from 1977-2000. He later worked with Keller Williams and also served as an adjunct professor of Mathematics & Finance at Roger Williams University. He was a Past President of the Greater Providence Board of Realtors and Rhode Island Association of Realtors, and served as Director of the National Association of Realtors. He was recognized as Realtor of the Year in 1990 and Educator of the Year in 1994 and 1995.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Jennifer Sylvestre and her husband Matthew of Lincoln, Laura Certo of Johnston, and Christina Robbio and her husband James of Lincoln; one son, Joseph R. Certo of Bellingham, Massachusetts; and ten grandchildren, Aiden Sylvestre, Garrett Sylvestre, Aaron Sylvestre, Anabella Laviano, Nicholas Laviano, Gabriella Laviano, Hailey Robbio, Kelsey Robbio, Emma Certo and Oliver Certo. He was the brother of the late Domenic Certo; the brother-in-law of Robert Gendreau and the late RoseAnn (Crimaldi) Gendreau. He was also the loving uncle to many.

His funeral will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM from Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Saint Jude Church, 301 Front Street, Lincoln. Burial will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. Family and friends are invited, and may attend visiting hours on Friday from 4:00 - 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Johnston, 2109 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919 would be appreciated. For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com

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