Peter N. Vasil of Worcester passed away peacefully on Friday April 10, 2026, at the Rose Monahan Hospice in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Peter (Pandi) was born in Kamenitza, Albania in 1927. He journeyed to America with his Mother, Kostandina in 1936, where they joined his Father, Nuci, and settled in Worcester, Massachusetts. Peter did not speak English but quickly assimilated to his new American lifestyle and became a fixture at the Ionic Avenue Boys Club in Worcester. At the “Club” he learned to play many sports and eventually became a decorated athlete in swimming and basketball. When World War II began, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was offered an opportunity to become a swimming instructor but instead chose active duty, hoping to be on the front lines for America. He was deployed in the Pacific Theatre.

After the War, he returned to Worcester, married Pauline (Soter) Vasil and eventually started a family. He worked for many years for Bayer and Mingolla Industries, in their Highway Construction Division. Later in his career he also worked at Worcester Gear before he retired.

Peter’s passion was his homing pigeons. Raising pigeons was a skill he brought with him from Albania. He raised and raced pigeons for almost his entire life. His birds won races from distances as far away as Cleveland and Buffalo.

Peter leaves his son Gregory, and his wife Katherine (Kolas) Vasil along with their children Kristina and Michael. He also leaves his Sister-in-law Dorothea Vasel, and many nieces and nephews, extended family and very good friends and neighbors. He is predeceased by his wife Pauline (Soter) Vasil, his parents, Nuci and Kostandina Vasel, his sister Florence (Vasel) Petro, and his brother Michael Vasel.

The funeral will be held on Friday April 24, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street in Worcester (11 AM), immediately preceded by calling hours at the same location (10 AM).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sunday School at Saint Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church, as Peter enjoyed cooking for the children at communion breakfasts many years ago. Nordgren Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.