Peter John Malatesta

Peter "Pete" John Malatesta, age 66, of West Point, MS was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 12, 2024, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. A visitation honoring Pete’s life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shelby, MS, followed by Mass at 11:00 AM at the same location. The interment service will take place at Shelby Cemetery.

Pete was born October 6, 1957, to Willie Guido and Betty Jean Malatesta in Cleveland, MS. He grew up farming with his family in Shelby, MS. Pete graduated high school from Bayou Academy in Cleveland, MS and furthered his studies at Mississippi State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics. He spent most of his career in agricultural sales, most recently spending more than 15 years with RhinoAg. Throughout his career, Pete was able to travel across the country, spending most of his time traveling in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. He loved interacting with others and eating good food that was local to those places. In both his career and personal life, Pete made a lasting impact on those he encountered with his warm personality and genuine care. He will be remembered for his unwavering love for Mississippi State sports. More recently, he moved to West Point, MS, and frequented Bulldogs’ sporting events. This passion brought joy to his days and was shared with his sons, family, and friends. 

Of all Pete’s accomplishments in life, he was most proud of his two sons, Will and Ben. Pete was a devout Catholic and was most recently a member at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Starkville.

He is predeceased by his parents, Willie Guido and Betty Jean Malatesta; brother, Mark Vincent Malatesta.

Peter's memory will be cherished by his sons, William and Benjamin Malatesta; his sister, Paula Edgerley, and her husband Jerry; his brother, Tommy Malatesta, and his wife Renee. In this time of grief, may they find solace in the cherished memories they hold dear.

Peter John Malatesta's legacy of kindness and dedication will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. May he rest in peace, and may his spirit live on in the memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Clarksdale, MS, or to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville, MS.