No holiday for tragedy

By Elizabeth Stieber
Times Staff Writer

In a school essay describing himself, Peter Roberto Jr. wrote, "I’m most special because I try to get the most out of life and enjoy every moment of it."
Sadly, the 12-year-old seventh-grader’s seemingly full life was cut short on Thanksgiving Day when he was struck and killed by a sport-utility vehicle while crossing the street.
The driver may have been drinking, police said.
"It’s hard," his father, Peter Roberto Sr., said from the family’s Somerton home. "We take every day as it comes. We’re trying to pick up the pieces."
Peter and his family had been celebrating Thanksgiving at his grandmother’s house in Wissinoming. Peter and a cousin just went out for a walk after dinner, said his mother, Dolores Roberto. They were crossing Harbison Avenue near Comly Street at around 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 25, police said, when a 2002 GMC Envoy hit Peter.
The driver, William Halloran, 29, of the 2800 block of Knorr St., allegedly got out of his SUV, looked at the victim and fled. He surrendered at the 15th Police District later that night, police said. Peter died at the scene.
Halloran was charged with homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
Peter is survived by his parents, older sisters Christine and Brittany and younger brother Anthony, as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
There has been an outpouring of love and support from both friends and strangers, the family said. More than 1,000 people attended Pete’s funeral services on Dec. 1.
"Some people waited three hours to get in," said Dolores Roberto, who expressed her gratitude for everyone’s support.
In addition, a guest book has been set up with the online obituary so that people can leave a message for the family. To access it, go to www.philly.com, click on "obituaries" and type in "Roberto."
The Robertos said they were touched by the dozens of entries.
"I lost count of how many kids said, ‘Pete was my best friend,’ " Dolores Roberto said. "He had friends everywhere."
At CCA Baldi Middle School, Pete was a popular kid. Students and staff were devastated by the news of his death but turned the tragedy into a positive campaign.
Principal Frances Heinze hung posters along the hallway walls so that students could write messages for the Roberto family. Students and teachers also made cards and wrote letters.
"The students were very upset," Heinze said. "We thought it was best to have them do things."
The Baldi Middle School student council sold blue ribbons to students and raised more than $1,000. The money will go to the Roberto family for funeral expenses and a memorial scholarship at the end of the school year.
"The sea of blue ribbons in the building was incredible," said Gloria Tuckey, the school’s community coordinator.
Baldi is also considering starting a Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter.
"A lot of wonderful things are coming from this," Tuckey said.
In the midst of their tragedy, Pete’s parents are pleading with the public — particularly those who are headed to holiday events where drinking is involved — to think before getting into a car at the end of the night.
"It could have been anybody’s son that day," Dolores Roberto said. "People really need to think how bad decisions can impact other people’s families."
"It was a completely avoidable tragedy," added John F.X. Fenerty Jr., the family’s attorney.
To deal with his hearing disability, Pete went once a day to Baldi’s Reading Resource Room. At age 7, he was diagnosed with bilateral cholesteatoma, a rare inner-ear disorder that left him mildly hearing impaired. He had four surgeries and wore hearing aids in both ears.
Despite the disability, he was very comfortable with himself and even reminded classmates with hearing deficiencies to wear their hearing aids, said Sandy Rosenberg, his teacher.
"He really flourished when he was helping others," she said. "He was very proud of who he was."
She described her pupil as intellectually curious, mischievous, excited to help others and devoted to his family.
"He had a heart that didn’t fit his chest," his father said. "He was a well-liked, respected kid who wouldn’t hesitate to do anything for anybody."
One of Pete’s favorite hobbies was riding his all-terrain vehicle near his family’s campground in May’s Landing, N.J. In fact, he used the money he saved by mowing lawns all summer to buy a new ATV, his father said.
"He loved to ride. It was his passion," Peter said. "It was our summertime thing."
He also loved sports, rap music and doing good deeds for his elderly neighbors.
Pete also delivered the Northeast Times around his neighborhood.
He attended Sunday school every week at Wissinoming Presbyterian Church, his parents said.
And whether he was in the hallways at school, hanging out with his friends or near his family, he always wore a large grin.
"I’ll miss that big smile," his father said. ••
Anyone who has any information can contact Fenerty at 1-888-947-4848.
Reporter Elizabeth Stieber can be reached at 215-354-3036 or estieber@phillynews.com