Peter Hyszczak

Peter J. Hyszczak, 59, of North  Yarmouth, formerly of Casco, died at his home surrounded by family and friends.

Peter approached his illness as he did his life, with grace, dignity, a positive attitude, and with the spirit and humor for which he will be remembered.

Born in Munich, Germany, the only child of Dr. Ivan and Mrs. Annamarie Hyszczak, now deceased, Peter immigrated with his parents to America at the age of two, attended Somerville High School in New Jersey, and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1975 with degrees in philosophy and religion.

Always a forward thinker and quick to appreciate technological trends, Peter recognized the future potential of cell phone technology and was one of the first in the state to own one when he began his career at StarCellular in Saco. He remained in the wireless business, surviving two corporate buyouts, holding managerial positions throughout, and ended his career of 31 years at Verizon Wireless.

Peter’s enthusiasm and zest for life led to his many varied interests. He played guitar, the djembi, and when called for, spoons.  He loved fishing, bird watching, kayaking, foraging for mushrooms, and had a passion for travel, scuba diving, snorkeling, and enjoying good German beer at his favorite “Biergarten” in Munich, where he had planned to celebrate his 60th birthday in December. He was also an excellent cook, comfortable and creative in the kitchen, where he took great pride in recreating his mother’s German specialties.

Fitting to his passion for travel and new experiences, Peter approached his death as the ultimate transition, the final leg of a remarkable journey. A lover of words and wit, he was eloquent in both, a master at irony and understated humor, and instigator of countless deep and meaningful conversations, ever the philosopher, always questioning and probing thoughts, ideas, and the meaning of life.

He was a loving and attentive father to his children, Egon and Alexandra, and a loving, caring companion and friend to his wife of 31 years, Ramona.

He and Ramona for many years owned Pear’s Ice Cream Shop and maintain a summer cottage on Parker Pond.

Peter is survived by his family and the many friends and colleagues whose lives he enriched and who will remember him always with love, humor and gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, Peter requested that donations be made in his name to the Maine Public Broadcasting Network or to the Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute.

A memorial celebration of Peter’s life will be held in the spring.