JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Peter “Pete” Tardiff, 52, formerly of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Friday morning, Oct. 5, 2007, at his residence.

A native of Lewiston, he had been a resident of the Portsmouth area before moving to Fernandina Beach in 1989, where he remained until moving to Jacksonville in 2004.

Mr. Tardiff graduated in 1971 from Edward Little High School in Auburn.

He had worked for the Department of Navy since 1970, in Portsmouth, N.H., Maine, Kings Bay, Ga. and was currently employed as a program analyst at the Commander Navy Region Southeast, Jacksonville. He had completed the naval welding apprenticeship program and was also a certified nuclear welder.

Mr. Tardiff enjoyed and was recognized for his love of and ability to restore old, classic automobiles.

He was a member of the Amelia Cruisers, current president of the Bay Harbour Homeowners Association and a Perpetual member of the Amelia Lodge No. 47 F & AM.

He leaves behind his wife and soulmate, Debbi DeLong; children, Josie Blanco (Roberto), Jesup, Ga., Cynthia Ours (Dave), Palm Coast, Fla., Melanie Tardiff, Jesup, Ga., Taj DeLong (Kristi), Yulee, Fla., Tia Rogers (Jason), Callahan, Fla.; one brother, Craig Tardiff (Sandy), Oxford; two sisters, Cynthia Williams (Stephen), Lisbon, and Cathy Stairs, Buckfield; three grandchildren, Deja, Jasmine and Marisol; and several nieces and nephews.