Peter "Khaki" Filice

Published in the San Jose Mercury News on 9/17/2008

Peter "Khaki" Filice Entered into Heaven on September 14, 2008, after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Giuseppe and Marietta Filice, and brother, Joe Filice.

Peter is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou, and his beloved children, Linda, Peter, and Christopher, his devoted grandchildren, Tony, Sam, Michael, Marcella, and Matthew, and adorable great-grandchildren, Stevie, Bailey and Katie.

Pete was born on March 14, 1922, in San Jose. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson Junior High and San Jose High Schools. He also attended San Jose State University where he won the heart of his lifetime sweetheart, Mary Lou. He was such a handsome dashing young man. Peter was a natural born athlete, who started to develop his talents at Graham Field playing with the neighborhood gang, using sticks and home-made balls. Khaki was the number one pitcher at San Jose High.

While in high school, he pitched for Franco, the best semi-pro team in the valley. In one game, Khaki pitched thirteen innings and threw his arm out. At San Jose State, he was captain of his basketball team and first string center. He also was the captain of his baseball team at San Jose State.

He received a letter from the famous Connie Mack of the American Base Ball Club and Manager of the Big Leagues of Philadelphia, who was very interested in his pitching prowess, and Mr. Mack invited Khaki to come to spring training. He also pitched for the San Jose Owls in the California State League and won thirteen games.

During World War II, the ERC in Monterey, chose one hundred athletes to play on the service teams. Pete was picked and played basketball and baseball for the army while he was in China. He soon became the Generals' favorite pitcher.

When Peter came back from serving his country, he married the love of his life, Mary Lou. He started The Happy Market with his dad and stayed in business for thirty years. He purchased The San Jose Bees with his teammate and lifelong buddy, John "Bud" Urzi, and had a great time following the baseball club.

He was also a lifetime friend with the Baseball "Great", Sal Taormina. Pete's trademarks were his big fat cigar and his Manhattan. His joy of life was watching his favorite ball teams and loudly cheering them on, especially the Giants and 49ers.

He was also a big fan of his grandchildren's sports events, and noted for his unique remarks to the umps. He enjoyed playing cards with his buddies. Mary Lou belonged to a childhood club called the "Leisurettes", and their husbands were Peter's pals.

Peter was a "Big Man". He will be missed by his family and many friends and all who knew him. We will all miss his very dry sense of humor and uniqueness.

Friends are invited to attend a Vigil Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. at LIMA-CAMPAGNA-ALAMEDA MISSION CHAPEL, 600 S. Second Street, San Jose with Visitation starting at 4:00 P.M. Funeral Mass Friday, September 19, 2008 at 9:30 A.M. at St. Christopher Church, 1576 Curtner Avenue, San Jose with Interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity or Martha's Kitchen, 311 Willow Street, San Jose, California 95110.