Peter Alexander Kwasney

August 25, 1940 - June 16, 2020

Peter Alexander Kwasney, 79, a resident of Fort Myers, FL since 2007, formerly of Buford, GA, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2020 in Fort Myers. He was born August 25, 1940 in Elmira, NY to Aleck and Pauline Waschezyn, now deceased.

Peter was of the Catholic faith and serviced in The United States Navy. While in the Navy, Peter was assigned duties as radioman on the USS Mount McKinley based out of the Azores. His hobby with ham radio suited the Navy’s purposes well. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Peter was sending messages using Morse code to the fleet that were blockading Cuba. The USS McKinley was one of the flagships during the operation so Peter’s role down in the bowels of the ship in the radio room were very important.

After his discharge and a few years in his hometown of Elmira, NY, Peter decided to pursue additional education in Florida. He attended Daytona Beach Community College and later, FSU in Tallahassee. He obtained his business degree along with some pre-law courses. While in Daytona Beach, he joined GE Systems. Peter became involved with computer programming on the Apollo missions and worked at Cape Canaveral.

He moved several times while working at GE including Richmond, VA, Phoenix, AZ, West Palm Beach, FL and even spent some time in London, England. Various jobs sent him all over the country, but one took him to Atlanta in 1979.There he met Barbara and their lives were forever entwined.

They built 3 houses together during those 40 years and enjoyed traveling, hot weather, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and anything else associated with the ocean. Peter and Barbara married in 1986 at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, NV and renewed their vows there 30 years later. After living in the Atlanta area for 27 years, they moved to Fort Myers, FL in 2007.

Peter had retired from his electronics sales career and relished the slower pace of SW Florida. However, he often said retirement is more work than “Work”! All of you who knew Peter remember that he could never sit still. Always wanted to be doing something; helping out, repairing things, letting everyone else relax.

Peter very much enjoyed seeing family in NY and WI. His best memory was for his surprise 75th birthday. That touched him more than he could ever say. Now we will continue to celebrate his life as he wanted. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

He is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Barbara Kwasney of Fort Myers; brother, Philip Kwasney (Shirlee) of Elmira, NY; as well as a large and loving extended family.

Peter was preceded in death by a brother, Christopher “Kip” Kwasney.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com

Memorial contributions can be made in Peter’s name to the following: Florida Sherriff’s Youth Ranches-Boys Ranch, 2486 Cecil Webb Place, Live Oak, FL 32060, or Animal Care Trust Fund, c/o Lee County Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers FL 33912, or Florida Elks Charities, c/o Lodge #1288, 2180 West First Street Unit 320, Fort Myers FL  33901.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Ann Marie Ferguson and John Kaczmarczyk Jun 22, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    What a lovely statement of a wonderful man’s life. Our sincere condolences to Barbara, his family and friends. Each one of us is irreplaceable. He will be missed.

  2. The Van Landschoot Family Jun 23, 2020 at 8:17 am

    Our condolences to Barbara and the entire family. Pete was a great neighbor and I always enjoyed our friendly Navy banter when we’d see each other. He’s certainly in a better place. Fair winds and following seas shipmate. RIP.

  3. PAUL MATHIAS Jun 26, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    I have known Peter for 30+ years. He was my brother-in-law whom we met at least twice a year. WE will treasure the happy memories and experiences that we had together. Pete was always the “life” of the group with lots of jokes and stories. He was interested in people and always asked about their well being. He often helped his relatives. Pete had a wide range of interests and we would enter into a variety of stimulating discussions. Pete was a “Great” human being.
    WE will really miss him but are consoled by this thought ” Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity.” ~Terri Guillemets

  4. Rhody and Carol Grasamkee Jun 28, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man who truly lived his life to make others happy. Condolences to Barbara and Peter’s family.

  5. Carrie Seichter ( Favorite Neice) or that's what I tell myself! Jun 28, 2020 at 10:07 pm

    My Uncle Peter was my Favorite! As I was his! He was always my cheerleader , encouraging, and happy! He never had any unkind words to say .He supported my adventures! He was always around to lend a ear when I needed it! He was always the one who stepped up and never disappointed anyone. I dont know what life will be without you but I do know that life was wonderful with you. I am blessed to have had you as my favorite Uncle! You will be forever missed. And I hope it all tastes like chicken! We love you forever!

  6. Maia Mathias Zuchman Jul 3, 2020 at 5:50 am

    As it approaches the 4th of July, I remember the last time I saw Uncle Pete. We had such a blast at a picnic eating hamburgers and hot dogs together with the family. When the huge fireworks lit up the sky in a million multicolored lights, I could hear him ooh and aah (along with Aunt Barb and myself). He was someone who appreciated the simple joys in life; he didn’t take those moments for granted. He was always thinking of others, helping my mom out with her hosting whenever possible and making jokes to entertain us all. He was a kind, positive and caring soul. I will really miss his bright light.

  7. Jill Kwasney Fuchs Aug 24, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    Uncle Pete made you feel as if you were the most important person in the room, and enjoyed entertaining others with his humor. He is missed, and we are holding strong to faith that he is in a better place and we will meet again.

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