SAINT CHARLES, IL – Peter Raymond Matuszek of Saint Charles, Illinois, passed away in his home on Friday, June 14, 2024. Peter was 76 years old. He was born on December 17, 1947, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Growing up in South Hadley, he had pride in his Polish heritage and spent time working on cars with his father at a young age and helping him at the Kosciusko Club.
He loved to socialize and was the life of the party. He would frequently travel to go alpine skiing and he was an accomplished member of the National Ski Patrol. On these trips, he was known to bring his banjo and entertain on the bus with songs from the Kingston Trio.
Peter valued education and dedication. He graduated from South Hadley High School in 1966 and Lowell Technological Institute (now UMASS Lowell) with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1970. After graduating, he worked as a field service engineer at Combustion Engineering. He never shied away from a challenge, demonstrated by him starting, and maintaining for 30 years, his own company, Power Design Associates.
A master of relaxation after a grimy work, he thoroughly enjoyed beers on the beach with a roast beef sandwich, après-ski hangs in the Jacuzzi, and a good cigar. A Renaissance man, he loved to tinker on muscle cars while blasting polka music and was able to fix anything. He was an exceptional billiards player, an active member in the local Pantera Club, grilled the best steaks, and was famous for his homemade spaghetti sauce. Peter was a loving father, and excited new grandfather. His pride and admiration for his son, Matt, were endless. Watching Matt’s trumpet performances was pure joy for him and he would travel all over to see them.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Charlotte (Komor) Matuszek of South Hadley, Massachusetts. He is survived by his son, Matthew Matuszek, daughter-in-law, Tara Matuszek, grandson, Walter Matuszek, sister, Valerie Benoit of South Hadley, Massachusetts, nieces, Lauren Benoit and Marisa Benoit Olchowski, former spouse and friend, Heather Hayes, and many close friends and extended family.
His family will have a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 1 p.m. at The Boathouse, 1 Alvord Street, South Hadley, MA 01075. The St. Pierre-Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 is assisting the family. His burial will be private at Saint Rose Cemetery in South Hadley. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com