Peter W. Sienkiewicz

1938 - 2016

NORTHAMPTON - Peter W. Sienkiewicz, 77, of Northampton, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. He lived each moment courageously, despite his prolonged illness. His wife Maureen and sister Bobbie were by his side. Peter was a resident at CareOne since September 2011.

Peter was born Feb. 23, 1938, in New York, New York, the son of Charles and Christine (Gabel) Sienkiewicz. He was a 1957 graduate of the former St. Michael's High School. He lived most of his life in the Northampton, and Ft. Myers, Florida, areas.

Peter enlisted in the United States Navy on July 4, 1957, along with 96 other men from the Northampton and greater Springfield area. They were selected as members of a special team to train for the Greater Springfield Navy Honor Guard to escort the governors at the Eastern States Exposition in the fall of 1957. The men were sworn in as Navy recruits and ultimately developed into the top-ranking 125th Company at Bainbridge, Maryland. A commemorative memorial can be found at the main entrance to the Eastern States, honoring the Navy Co. 125. Peter served at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Oahu, Hawaii, and NAS Miramar, California.

As a U.S. Naval certified military police officer, it was a natural transition for Peter to continue in that field and following discharge he returned to Northampton, enrolled and graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Academy. He subsequently was hired as a police officer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for eighteen plus years. He trained at the Eastman Kodak School of Photography in Rochester, New York, and held the position of forensic crime scene photographer for the department. Peter's discipline in taking and developing his pictures and the resulting complete photos were highly regarded by many police departments throughout the Commonwealth, as well as numerous court proceedings. Peter was an active member of the Franklin and Hampshire County Sheriff's Department and a long time member of the New England Police Photographers Association. Peter's badge #2 was presented to him upon his retirement.

Peter and Maureen relocated to the Ft. Myer's area for 19 years where Peter continued his police work at Southwest Regional Airport, the University of South Florida, and Lee Memorial Health System. During his career, Peter mentored hundreds of recruits who recognized his knowledge, his discipline, and his love and commitment to his profession. Peter's ultimate goal was to help each plebe, along with others, to achieve and prosper in their chosen career.

Their home was a mecca for many great events, holidays, birthdays, work related get-togethers, etc., but the best celebrations were when family and friends visited. Numerous trips to the theme parks, shelling on Sanibel, fishing off the Naples pier, sunsets over the gulf, etc. Work was secondary to a life which seemed more like a vacation. Peter and Maureen became serious golfers, both on teams and on casual outings with friends. Remaining fans of the Red Sox and the Patriots, it was good to be true when the Sox came to Ft. Myers in the early 90's for their spring training. This guaranteed northern visitors every year.

Upon returning to Northampton in 2000, Peter was hired as a police officer at Amherst College. He retired after four years, as he found it very difficult to learn and manage new technology. To do his job efficiently, he stepped down with honor and dignity as he began his brave and dauntless life, living with dementia.

Both Peter and Maureen lead a life of complete love and loyalty, one always rising with incredible strength when the other one faltered. Maureen became his caregiver and a consummate advocate to assure his every need was met when she could no longer meet all of his requirements. Despite her years of nursing experience, Maureen did extensive research online to identify treatments that were not considered part of the conventional approaches. Maureen and family will be forever indebted to Dr. Paul Raia from Watertown, who made some recommendations, which slowed the progression of Pete's dementia and gave us three incredible years of his laughter and the amazing ability for him to maintain and develop wonderful new relationships where he shared love and embraced the love of others.

Oh, the places you'll go
You're off to great places
Today is your day!
Your sunset is waiting
So, get on your way!

Peter was predeceased by five brothers, Charles, Walter, William, Ronald and Raymond and three sisters, Lillian Worth, Elizabeth Pelott and Judith Pelc.

Peter is survived by his former wife Patricia (Boyle) Donovan and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, Autumn Dawson, husband Jim, children Thadius and Jacob and great-grandson Dillinger of Massachusetts; baby Angela Sienkiewicz (deceased), Vincent and his wife Dr. Julie Boyle and children Aliyah and Joshua of Florida; Jamie Marrow and husband Will and children Abbie, Ryle and Mollie of Colorado; and and Patricia Mosley and husband Henry and children Rory, Jetts, Jude and Tex Marie of California. Peter is also survived by his brother Frank of Florence, brother Edward of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and his sister Reardon of Whately. Peter and his wife Maureen (Doyle) would have celebrated 36 wonderful years of marriage on April 10. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Peter's wife and family would like to extend a most heartfelt thanks to the staff at CareOne, most specifically to the Nurses and CNAs on the Elm unit. Their love and compassion was not only given to Peter but to Maureen and his family as well. Leaving him each day was difficult, but they lifted that burden and gave us peace of mind when we left. For this gift, we are truly thankful.

A vigil for Peter will be held Friday, Feb. 26, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Ahearn Funeral Home followed by a Christian Burial with military honors at St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making memorial contributions to the Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, or Dr. Paul Raia, Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts Chapter, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.

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