Obituaries

Obituaries

-- Casual Living, 2/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Peter Cilio

Peter Cilio, a renowned entrepreneur, artist and iconic fixture of the gardening industry, died Dec. 16, 2008 at his home in Blue Bell, Pa., after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 78.

Cilio founded Peter's Home and Garden Center in Quakertown, Pa., in the early 1970s. After 11 years of supplying garden accessories through retail, Peter and his sons, Anthony and Joseph, developed a full design and production company, known as Campania Imports. In the late '90s, Cilio's daughter Nina Cilio Reelick and oldest son Peter C. Cilio joined the company to help continue to guide its growth.

Cilio retired from his wholesale business in 2000 when he sold Campania International to a Philadelphia company that continues to operate the business. At the same time, at the age of 70, Cilio returned full time to focus his energies on his retail store. The retail division continues to be operated by the Cilio family and remains a staple of the Philadelphia garden community.

Cilio's legacy continues through his family. All four of his children remain closely tied to the gardening industry. His eldest son is a vice president at Campania International; Anthony Cilio is vice president of product development at Alfresco Home; Joseph Cilio is founder of Alfresco Home, and Nina Cilio Reelick is married to Eugene Reelick, owner of Hollandia Nurseries. Peter is also survived by seven grand-children.

Gary Miller

Veteran sales representative Gary Miller died Jan. 3, 2009, in Rochester, N.Y.

During his 20-plus years in the casual industry, Miller represented such manufacturers as Homecrest, Galtech International and CRP Products.

Miller is survived by his uncle, Austin Hildebrandt; cousins, Walter, Tom (Nan) and Mary Hildebrandt; many dear friends in Rochester and Dorset, Vt.

Friends gathered Jan. 10 at the Anthony Funeral Chapel, Rochester, N.Y., and a funeral service was held at White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, N.Y. Contributions may be made to Hobart College, Institutional Advancement, 615 S. Main St., Geneva, N.Y. 14456 or to a charity of the giver's choice.