Talleri next Hometown Hero
BUTLER TWP — Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 160 pounds, Pete Talleri didn’t see much of a future for himself in football.
In terms of his military career, few have stood taller.
Talleri, a 1975 Butler graduate and former Golden Tornado defensive end, served 34 years in the United States Marine Corps before his retirement in September of 2013. At retirement, he was the Marine Corps’ senior logistics professional in the Pacific.
He also received the National Safety Council’s “CEO’s Who Get It” award.
Talleri received more than 20 awards during his years in the military, along with the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon and Marine Corps Recruiting Service Ribbon.
For his military accomplishments and being a positive role model, Talleri will receive the 2022 Butler Football Hometown Hero award prior to the Golden Tornado’s season opener against Shaler Aug. 26 at Art Bernardi Stadium.
All veterans and active military personnel will be honored that night, with Talleri specifically accepting the award.
“This is the most humbling experience I’ve ever received,” Talleri said. “Being honored by your hometown ... this is so satisfying. This is home.”
The Butler Football Hometown Hero program has honored more than 60 individuals since 2004.
Talleri grew up with two passions in life — football and service to his country.
“My father is retired military with the U.S. Air Force,” he said. “I always knew I wanted to get into military service. I prepared for it. Yet football was in my blood as well.
“My first cousin, Doug Buffone, was a linebacker with the Chicago Bears for 13 years. I looked at Doug as my idol when I was a kid. I aspired to play pro football just like he did. I just didn’t grow enough.
“I love the elements of football and what it brings out in you. Grit, tenacity, mental toughness, fitness ... you’ll find out if you’re a quitter when you play football. You practice all week to play one game a week. You learn a lot about yourself in circumstances like that.”
Born in Butler, Talleri and his family lived in New Jersey for a few years. He was a quarterback as a freshman at Northern Burlington High School in New Jersey, near where his father was stationed. The family moved back to Butler in 1972 and Talleri’s quarterback days were done.
“We had Rick Galante here and other guys like him at that position, bigger, stronger, more talented than I was,” Talleri said. “I knew I had to change positions. I was looking for my best path to get on the field and that wound up being defensive end.
“I was only 5-10, 160, but I was quick and I could get around people. I was never afraid to stick my nose in there and make a hard tackle. I loved the game.”
Talleri spent three seasons with the Golden Tornado, starting his senior year. Butler went 6-3 that season, winning six straight games after losing its first two The season ended with a 7-0 loss to New Castle.
“Football taught me to respect leaders,” Talleri said. “I was fortunate enough to play for a great program and a great coach. Art Bernardi was a Marine himself. He was tough as nails, no-nonsense. He got the best out of you. He instilled the attitude in you to give it your best effort and play like a winner.
“That attitude stayed with me my entire life.”
Talleri did not play college football, but graduated from Clarion University in 1979 with a degree in business management. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps through taking and completing a Platoon Leaders Class.
He was responsible for information technology logistical planning efforts during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.Talleri led logistics units from the platoon to national level.
“I became a leader — much from what I learned through football — and led at the highest level of the U.S. Marine Corps,” Talleri said. “Through peace time and war, I was very proud of that.
“Even today, advising young people, helping to recruit people to serve our country and take care of our national defense ... That will be part of my responsibility for the rest of my life.”
All veterans and active military service members are invited to a pre-game gathering honoring Talleri in the Butler High School cafeteria. Refreshments and appetizers will be served. This part of the program runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Everyone attending the pre-game celebration and on-field ceremony should RSVP to Kevin Vogel at 724-822-5291 by Aug. 19.
There will be no game admission charge for veterans and active military service members that night.
Talleri is also scheduled to speak at the VFW Post 249 in Butler from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22. All veterans, active service members, auxiliary and the public are welcome to attend.
