Peter Joseph Lecce, 93, of Collinsville, Ill., born Aug. 23, 1921, passed away Friday, July 24, 2015.

Pete was a life-long resident of Collinsville, Ill., and lived an amazing and full life. He served his country proudly as a flight officer and glider pilot in World War II in the European theater.

A graduate of both Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., he was an educator who taught and administered in the Collinsville Unit 10 School District and finished his career with the Illinois State Department of Education.

He was an avid duck, goose, and deer hunter and continued to hunt well into his 90's with his two best hunting partners, his son, Craig and his daughter-in-law, Mary Anne.

On his 90th birthday he was honored as the Grand Marshall of the Collinsville Italian Fest.

He traveled the world with his beloved wife, Arlene (Korinek), whom he lovingly called 'Fritz'. Together, they would dance the night away starting with their days at the Collinsville Park Ballroom that was owned by his father and mother, Bill and Josephine Lecce.

Pete was a member of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, a member of the VFW and American Legion, and he was the oldest member of the Collinsville Knights of Columbus. Recently, at the "young" age of 92 Pete also took on the responsibility of National Wing Commander for the National World War II Glider Pilots Association.

Anyone who ever met Pete knows that he never met a stranger and that there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his friends and family. He touched more lives and will be sadly missed by more people than can possibly be listed.

Pete is survived by his wife, Arlene, nee Korinek, Lecce; his son, Craig Lecce, and his daughter-in-law, Mary Anne Lecce.

Memorials may be made to The Glider Pilots Museum, Silent Wings Foundation, c/o Doug Flynn, 3501 40th St., Snyder, Tesax 79549 or to Honor Flight of Greater St. Louis, www.gslhonorflight.org.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.

An additional visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, Illinois.

Funeral: Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at the church. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Collinsville, Ill.