Longtime loyal friend and co-worker, Peter G. Leis, veteran driver for Bayview Florist and Montage passed away July 26. He was an amazing man and will be dearly missed.

Peter's nickname was Grumpy. He adored this tag. So much so, he proudly wore a Grumpy cap and shirt whenever possible. It's how this old Italian wanted to be perceived. However, his friends and family knew him as a caring and happy-go-lucky guy. Except of course when "his" Yankees or Rangers lost a bout on the playing field.

Peter will always be remembered for his boisterous "What! Whatta ya want? What's the matter? What did I do?" followed by his ear to ear Cheshire cat grin. His distinct style of whistling always warned you he was right around the corner and all would be right soon.

Birthdays were always very special at Bayview. Pete would arrive with your all-time favorite homemade meal. Some specialties were his famous peas and macaroni, eggplant parmesan, stuffed peppers, or a garden salad with the ingredients fit for a king covered in his secret dressing. Sometimes the meals were so elaborate he required the day off prior to buying, cutting and preparing the feast. Many of the vegetables were grown and nurtured in his backyard Copiague garden.

To some of the staff he was a second or third father. He was always ready to lend an ear at a moment's notice. However, that came with a price. When you were done you had to sit and listen to the wrath of Peter. He was a kind and gentle man but often a bit too honest. "Ouch Pete! That hurt, but thanks, I needed that."

Many people have come and gone in the past 45 years of Bayview. But none will leave their mark like Pete did. Thanks for everything, Peter G. Leis.