Peter DeStefano's imprint on sports extended thirty years and across several sports. From Football to Track to Cross Country to Wrestling, he helped bring honor and prestige to Utica Free Academy throughout his career.

As the head coach of the Track and Field squad, DeStefano coached All State performers like Greg Bello and 2008 Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame inductee Carl Boykin. He led his team to numerous Central Oneida League Championships and his participants still hold some Utica City School District records. In wrestling, he led his athletes to several All League and Sectional Championships.

Additionally, he served as a coach with the Utica Free Academy Cross Country and Football teams, respectively.

When not on the sidelines teaching sports, he could be found officiating wrestling and soccer. His keen eye and knowledge of the rules earned him the honor of officiating at many Section II and New York State Wrestling Championship matches.

Pete DeStefano has been recognized for his years of service to the running world. He was named a Finish Line Official at the Boilernaker Road Race, has the Memorial Volunteer Award at the Boilermaker banquet given in his honor, and has had the Track meet at Thomas R. Proctor High School named after him. The "Coach DeStefano Relays" are to Track what the E. 1. Herrmann Cross Country Invitational is to Cross Country in the area.

DeStefano's athletic mark hit home literally. His four boys all had excellent careers in sports as have their children. Son Peter excelled in Football at New Hartford Central School and Slippery Rock University and currently serves as Associate Defensive Coordinator at Cornell University. Grandson Peter was a member of the 2000 Ithaca High School New York State Division I Hockey Championship team.

Son Paul, a solid football player at New Hartford, went on to earn (9) nine varsity letters at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and still holds the school record for Shot Put. Paul's daughters Sarah, Alaena, and Maria each were All-American in high school Lacrosse.

Son Jim, a 2003 inductee into the Cornell University Athletics Hall of Fame, had a one year stint as a Linebacker with the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals. Jim's daughter Lindsey was a MAC Championship Swimmer, his daughter Erin a Pittsburg University Softball Scholar Athlete, and his son Jim is a star Football and Baseball player at Lafayette High School.

Son John, a graduate of Notre Dame High School, was a standout Track star who went to Union College and was a State Champion in the Long Jump in 1974.

Peter DeStefano's family carried on and still carries on his affinity and excellence in sports. As a Hall of Famer, his legacy runs deep.