Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
628 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York
Peter Garczynski Obituary
Born the youngest child of Stanley and Genevieve, he grew up in the town of Albertson, N.Y.
Peter attended St. Mary's High School in Manhassett. He received his BA in English from Manhattan College and his master's in communication from SUNY Albany. He taught three years at St. Gregory's in Manhattan, three years at Saratoga Springs Junior High School and almost thirty years at Queensbury High School. He was highly respected by his colleagues and through his dedication, he guided countless students through the rigors and beauty of the English language, from the meaning of the word aphorism to the imagery in Shakespeare's plays. He was planning to retire with his wife at the end of this year.
An avid gardener, he cultivated his own little Garden of Eden all around his house. He loved the flowers. He enjoyed dancing and listening to music, especially while lying by the pool. Beyond relaxation, he sought great heights and adventures; every year he scaled the Adirondack peaks, skied dangerous slopes, he traveled to numerous countries including Greece, Mexico, the Bahamas, Canada, Turkey, Cuba, Columbia, Italy, Spain, Bermuda and Martinique, and basked under the sun at so many beautiful beaches, always with his wife.
He was a member of St. Clement's Roman Catholic Church.
Peter was the most loving husband and father, and thought of himself only second to their needs. As a father, he was always there whenever he was needed and gave them constant support and advice in times of trouble. He will be so missed.
He is survived by his wife, Martha (Heather); his five sons: Matthew Von Stetina and his wife, Brigitte, of Lima, Ohio, Nicholas Von Stetina, Damien, Miklos, Pascal and his daughter, Anastassia Garczynski all of Saratoga Springs, his sister, Eleanor Bauer of Albertson, N.Y., brothers, Richard (Geraldine) of Farmingdale, N.Y., George (Laura) of Hicksville, N.Y., and Stanley (Mary Ellen) of Succasunna, N.J.; and his three granddaughters, Willow, Autumn and Elish Von Stetina of Lima, Ohio.
Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 10, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 11, in St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs.
Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, West Avenue, Saratoga Springs.
Memorials may be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneral
home.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Garczynski
Elizabeth Pietrangelo
January 15, 2021
It's 2021 and I don't know if anyone will ever see this. I just wanted to say that I still think of Mr. Garczynski often. He was one of the greatest teachers I've ever had. And I've had a lot. I still remember him sitting on his desk, eating grapes, and sharing his love of literature with us. I miss him. I am so grateful he was in my life. -Elizabeth, class of '07
Holly Graskewitz
September 10, 2007
The death this spring of the great soprano Beverly Sills reminded me of the joyous occasion, so many years ago, when Peter and I attended her performance of "La Traviata" at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. I am devastated not to be able to reminisce with my old friend about times gone by. Martha, I am so glad he found you - when I knew him as a teenager he was looking for the love of his life, and it was obvious from the obit that you were she. May you and your children rejoice in the memory of a free spirit who lived his life to the fullest and loved you all more than you will ever know.
Melissa (Missy) Jarvis-Crawford
June 13, 2007
Mrs. Garczynski-
My deepest sympathy for you and your children.
Mr. Garczynski had been my English teacher, as well as, my homeroom teacher while I attended Queensbury High School until 1989. I have to tell you, I just thought of him the other day, and I wanted so bad to write him and thank him. You see, I was pregnant my last year of high school... and it was one of the hardest experiences I ever had to go through. Because of my pregnancy, I lost friends... and many of my teachers were not very nice to me... but, not your husband. He was kind. One day when we were having an exam in his class, the baby kicked and I felt my tummy. When he saw that the baby was moving he came over and asked if he could feel the baby kick. Before I knew it several of my classmates had stopped what they were doing and wanted to feel the baby kick too. It was a very emotional experience for me. I had so many teachers who wouldn't even look at me... let alone acknowledge my baby. He always greeted me with a smile... and told me to keep my chin up. He said he knew I was going to be a great mom.
My son, Brandon, is now graduating (with honors) from high school tomorrow and I couldn't a prouder mother... especially knowing that my son has a love for the English language and has hopes of becoming a teacher. I only hope if he does become a teacher he is a wonderful, kind and sincere teacher like Mr. Garczynski was. I wish I could have thanked him. I will always remember him for the kindness he showed me and my son.
God Bless,
Melissa (Missy) Jarvis-Crawford
Devon Rinn
June 11, 2007
Mr. Garczynski was my english teacher this year. I definitely learned more in his class this year than i ever have before. He was my favorite teacher to see so early in the morning, and his happy disposition always brightened my day. I'll never forget him.
Alexis Fazio
June 10, 2007
Mr. Garczynski was my english teacher this year at Queensbury High School. I wish that I could find the words to describe all that he did for my peers and I throughout the school year. Not only was he an inspirational teacher who enabled his students to share his love for English literature and the English language, but he cared deeply for each and everyone of us. I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to all of his family members and let them know that we cared for him as much as he did for us. He will always be remembered.
June 10, 2007
My most sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Garczynski (Mr. G). He was among my favorite teachers at Queensbury High. I can recall that he fit in with the students very well because he was so young at the time!
His warm spirit, glowing smile and inspiring mind will surely be missed by many for many long years.
May you find comfort and warmth in your memories of the times spent with him. He will always be with you.
Warmly,
Donnalynn Milford, Class of '81
Theresa Wappett
June 10, 2007
I had Mr. Garczynski this year in my 10H english class. He was a massive inspiration and forced his students to work hard. He was a rigorous yet enriching teacher. I will miss his always smiling face around the school and I will never forget him.
Michael Daly
June 10, 2007
Although I never had the pleasure of sitting in his class, the conversations that I shared with him left an impression, that perhaps, somewhere in between the intanigbles of the self and reality was a place for each of us. And so, from one student (forever) of Shakespeare to another -
"Now cracks a noble heart - good night sweet prince/And flights of angles sing thee to thy rest!"
- Hamlet V.II.359-360
Michael V. Daly '98
Jason Foglietta
June 10, 2007
Mr. Garzcynski was an inspiration to many people including myself. He had taught me many valuable lessons this year as my english teacher. I will never forget him or his upbeat personality. My condolences go out to all of his family members, so that they may stay strong and know how much of an impact he had on my life. He will be missed by many.
Dawn (Webster) Bell
June 9, 2007
My Sympathy goes to Mr. Garcznski's family. I was sad to here of his passing. He was my favorite English teacher in 1982.
Keith Cassant
June 9, 2007
My deepest condolences to the Garczynski family. I had Mr. Garczynski as a teacher in 1995 and he was truly one of the best. He will be sorely missed by all that new him.
Rhonda Rowland
June 9, 2007
Dear Mr Garzynski,
I was a student forever ago! You encouraged me to dream even when times were tough. I have become an English teacher because of you! Thank you! I am saddened to hear of your death. I hope your family finds the strength to find beauty in life once again.
Adriana LoCascio
June 9, 2007
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Mr Garczynski was my english teacher this year, as a junior, and everyday worked his hardest to prepare his claases for their upcoming regents exam next week. Even though we worked extremly hard in his classes, he never seized to make anyone laugh. He has most definatly done his job as a techer and a friend.
Jessica Clark
June 9, 2007
My deepest sympathy goes to your family. He was a wonderful teacher. it has been years since i have been to Queensbury school. But he is one of the teachers I will always remember.
Kristy Wohlfahrt
June 9, 2007
I was shocked to hear of this tragic loss. He helped me through my first year in Honors English, and I will always remember the different and interesting projects he had us do. I send all my love to everyone he touched.
FJohn Reinke (MC68)
June 9, 2007
The Manhattan College alumni community shares your grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself … any man’s death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
Phyllis Riccio
June 9, 2007
My children told me their teacher had died. How terrible it is, how sad. He certainly left his mark at Queensbury on many, many students and staff alike. God must of needed a terrific man to have taken this angel. God bless his family and please accept our sincere condolences. Phyllis, Phillip, Catherine and Dominick Riccio
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Peter Garczynski's name
Memorial Events
for Peter Garczynski
Funeral services provided by:
William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
How to support Peter's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Peter Garczynski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
