Peter Michael Mollica Jr. (January 29, 1929-August 14, 2022) passed away at home with his family by his side at the age of 93. He has lived in Springfield, VT since 1978 along Old Connecticut River Road, and was the long-time owner and operator of Christmas Trees of Vermont on US-5.

Mr. Mollica was the only child of Peter Michael Mollica, Sr. and Hilda Mollica, born in Brooklyn, New York. He served in the U.S. Navy. After graduating from Stanford University, he and two friends restored a 40' yacht and sailed it from New York City to the Bahamas. After graduating from Columbia University and St. John's University School of Law, Mr. Mollica moved to the Washington, DC area, where he served for two decades as an attorney for the federal government.

In 1978, he acquired the General Lewis R. Morris House and moved to Springfield full-time shortly thereafter. On the acreage surrounding the house, Mr. Mollica started Christmas Trees of Vermont, a wholesale and retail business that grew into a local tourist attraction. He retired from farming in 2018.

All his life, Mr. Mollica made time to help neighbors and community members solve legal and other problems. He was a regular supporter, both in time and contributions, of local projects and initiatives. He volunteered at the Windsor prison for 7 years. He loved the Redskins and enjoyed chocolate and cats. In his leisure time, he enjoyed sailing, skiing, reading literature and history, and being with friends.

Mr. Mollica is survived by his wife, Sandra Mollica; his three sons, Peter, Tim, and Paul; and grandchildren, Leona and Vincent Mollica. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Mr. Mollica's life at Precision Valley Baptist Church, 66 VT-106, North Springfield, VT 05150 on August 20th, 2022 at 11AM, Rev. Marty Bascom officiating, with a luncheon to follow at the Fellowship Hall of the church.

In Mr. Mollica's honor, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156, (802) 885-3997.

Burial will be private and take place at a later date.