Peter Howard Szabo

Peter Howard Szabo, age 52 of Benicia, passed away November 16, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Peter was born in Dallas, Texas on December 3, 1971 to Peter and Dorothy Szabo. He was baptized on Super Bowl Sunday 1972 when the Cowboys beat the Dolphins. Peter had two younger brothers, David and John. Peter lived in many states during his childhood including Texas, New York, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Colorado and California. His family moved to Benicia when he was in high school and he graduated in 1990. School was not easy for Peter, but he persevered and graduated from Humboldt State University in 1998 with a Bachelor's in History and Political Science. Peter's daughter, Kayla was born in 1996 and was his proudest achievement. He always told her that all he wanted was for her to be a good person. Kayla far exceeded his expectations and he was extremely proud of her. He was so happy when she started teaching, married Manuel Lopez, and when they bought their first house. Peter met Beth Seaman at Humboldt State. They moved to Benicia in 1999 and were married in 2000. While living in Benicia he worked at Safeway and was a substitute teacher. Peter and Beth took Kayla on many road trips around the United States. Peter loved the National Parks and many of the trips centered around visiting them.
Peter loved sports and sports statistics. He cheered for the NY Yankees, NY Rangers, NY Knicks, and the Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed going to baseball games and taught Kayla how to keep score at Oakland A's games. He had a wealth of sports knowledge and enjoyed collecting baseball and hockey cards.
From youth through adulthood, Peter enjoyed playing many sports. He continued with soccer through early college. As an adult he played in recreational sports, including almost a decade in the Benicia Bocce League. He enjoyed golf with friends and family. Peter loved to volunteer in his community. For many years he volunteered for Benicia Friends of the Library and St. Vincent de Paul.
Peter was loyal, kind, and generous. He loved spending time with family and friends. He was strong in his relationship with God and prayed daily. Throughout his adult life, Peter suffered from depression and anxiety. It was important that this be mentioned in his obituary as he wants people to talk about their struggles and seek help as needed. Peter's physical health declined during the last few years, but his faith in God and love for everyone never wavered. He tried to fight and improve his health, but always seemed to encounter obstacles that set him back. During his last few months, Peter spent much of his time in the hospital. The compassion and care of the staff, for Peter and our family, was beyond measure.
Peter is survived by his wife Beth Seaman Szabo, his daughter Kayla (Manuel) Lopez, his father, Peter John Szabo, his in-laws, his brothers, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews, aunt, cousins and many friends who were like family. Peter is preceded in death by his grandparents and mother, Dorothy.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Vincent de Paul, Benicia, https://stdombenicia.org/ministries/st-vincent-de-paul/