Search by Name

Search by Name

Peter Barskis Obituary

Barskis, Peter Andrew, 59, of Deerfield Beach, FL, passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2009. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Peter's family moved to Hollywood, Florida in 1958 where he mastered his lifelong joys of surfing, auto racing and boating. Peter attended Little Flower Grammar School and was a 1968 graduate of Chaminade High School, where he was a proud alumni and avid supporter of the school. Peter was predeceased by his dear parents, Eleanora and Pete; his sister-in-law, Janis McBride, and her husband Mac, who was one of Peter's closest friends. Left to grieve Peter is his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 35 years, Cathy Spodnick Barskis, his daughter Lauren, who was the light of his life, and his son-in-law Brian. Most of all, the newest joy of his life was his granddaughter, Cameron Kathleen. Peter is also lovingly remembered by his sisters Joyce, of Boca Raton, Florida, Carole of Chicago, Illinois, and his brother Bob (Dee) of Tucson, Arizona. Also left to mourn him are his mother-in-law, Yvette Spodnick and an extended family of sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and his very dear lifelong friends. Peter was the proud owner of Deerfield Suzuki for over 30 years. His zest for life was varied and joyful. From his Sunday morning motorcycle rides with Cathy, vacationing on Captiva Island, fishing with his brother-in-law Steve, or patiently teaching the newest drivers in the family, he always gave more of himself than was asked. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Dear One. Your love lives on in your family and friends. A celebration of Peter's life will be held on Friday, November 6, 2009 from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family will gratefully accept donations to the Dance Program at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, 500 Chaminade Drive, Hollywood, Florida, 33021. Please visit www.mem.com to view a video tribute of Peter's life and to sign an online guest book. Arrangements entrusted to: Kraeer Funeral Home, 1199 East Sample Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064 (954) 946-2900.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sun-Sentinel from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Barskis

Not sure what to say?





Arthur DeLaurentis

November 13, 2009

Cathy and Lauren,
We were shocked to hear of Pete's sudden death. We pray that God will give you the strength to endure this terrible loss.

Bobby Darin

November 10, 2009

Dear Cathy,Lauren and family,I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news.Words can not express how I feel for you guys.Pete was a great guy.My prayers are with you.Your friends Bobby and Sally Darin

Jo-Ann Hall

November 9, 2009

Dear Cathy & Janis I am deeply shocked at Pete's death. I just found out this evening. Peter was the best !! Growing up on South Lake classmates at Little Flower Surfing and those great Chaminade Madonna Dances.
It seems like only a few weeks ago our class reunion. My Prayers are with you and the entire family. Hugs Jo-Ann Hall

November 6, 2009

Dear Cathy, Lauren and the Barskis family: We are saddened and filled with grief. Please know that our prayers are with you always. Love, Mindy and Jay

Joe Collum

November 6, 2009

Dear Cathy and Lauren,
I am so very sorry to learn of Pete's passing. The memories of our days at Chaminade and at the beach surfing are still so fresh it seems like only yesterday. I know no words can take away your pain, but I want you to know that my recollection of Pete will always be the tall, blond, smiling kid with the easy manner who everyone liked and respected. The other memory I have, Cathy, is of you by his side. The love between the two of you was truly special. My deepest condolences.

Bob Colton

November 5, 2009

Kathy, Lauren and Family,
Barbara and I are deeply saddened to learn of Peter's passing. Our condolences to you. I will always remember the great times we had with Pete at Little Flower and Chaminade.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,

Bob Colton

Sue Rivas

November 4, 2009

Dear Cathy, Lauren and family,

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Pete's death. I knew Pete when we were classmates at Little Flower School and I have many great memories of that time.

My thoughts and my prayers are with your family at this sad time.

With deepest sympathy,
Sue Brennan Rivas

November 4, 2009

My sincere condolences to the Barskis family.
I will always cherish the childhood memories of time spent with Peter at Little Flower School and on North Lake. I've often shared many of those stories with friends through the years. He will not be forgotten.
Love & Light,
Vicki Fialkowski Minard
Fort Lauderdale, FL

David Rich

November 4, 2009

My deepest condolences to you and your family. It proves that life is very short and fragile. Time and friends are the best healing powers and you are very strong.

November 4, 2009

Dear Cathy

May your memories give you strength.

Cesar & Marilyn Sandoval

Ronnie Robinson

November 4, 2009

Cathy, I was stunned to hear of Peter's untimely death. He was such an awesome and loving person. My heart aches for you and your family. I wish I could be there on Friday to express my love and condolences, but I will be there in spirit. Ronnie Robinson

Ronnie Robinson

November 3, 2009

Dearest Cathy- I am stunned to hear of Peter's loss. He was awesome and so loved. My heart is broken for you. Life is so precious. Words are so inadequate. My love goes to you and your family. Ronnie Robinson

Michael Sutherland

November 3, 2009

Cathy, Jeff and I miss you very much and we are thinking of you during this difficult time!! He will always be looking down on you and your daughter and you have so many memories to reflect on!! In our thoughts always, Michael and Jeff Sutherland xoxo

John and Karen Petagno

November 3, 2009

Dear Cathy and Family,

Karen and I want to express our deepest sympathy in this most difficult time. I want you to know how moved and inspiried I was by Peter. After hearing the speech he gave at Lauren and Brian's wedding and just seeing the love and pride he had beaming from within his heart I instantly took an admiration for the man. As you know, I being a father of daughters can only hope to be as outstanding as Peter. I will forever be moved and inspired by that moment.

Our Hearts are saddened by your loss

Thoughts,prayers and love to you and your family

John and Karen Petagno

November 3, 2009

Cathy Lauren and family I cant find words to express how much I am sorry for your loss. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers and my heart during your difficult time of greive Craig Buono (Riva Motorsports)

Nellie Shelton

November 3, 2009

Cathy, haven't seen you in so many many years...but have such amazing memories of us at the races many years ago...we were so free spirited...I recently lost my partner of 15 years and can't imagine your pain...I feel it and send my sincere love for some healing to you and your family. ...with so much love and compassion

Todd Sandoval

November 3, 2009

Dear Kathy, I was very saddened to hear this news, you guys are such a great couple and a wonderful family. It was a lot of fun to see you guys at all the dealer shows over the years. I know you have a lot of support, but we are here for you as well. Our prayers are with you and wish you the very best.



Sincerely,



Todd Sandoval

November 3, 2009

Cathy, Lauren & Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Peter was a kind and wonderful man.... as everyone knows.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief.

With my heartfelt sympathy and fondness,
Shirley Casey

OIXIE MURPHY

November 3, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jennifer & Jason Hooper

November 3, 2009

Dear Cathy and Family,
We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Pete’s sudden passing.
We will always remember how kind he was when we would visit Deerfield Suzuki.
I know he thought the world of his daughter and will always remember him showing me pictures of her around his desk.
There are no words to express our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
While there is nothing we can say that will ease your loss, we want you to know we are grieving and thinking of you all.

With our deepest sympathy,
Jennifer & Jason Hooper

November 3, 2009

Cathy and Lauren -
I am shocked and saddened by your husband/father's death. I still remember the great time we all had in Buffalo, NY. At least you will always know his dedication to you and the fact he had time to enjoy the activities and friendships he liked best.

Strong regards,

Bill Alexander

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Make a Donation
in Peter Barskis's name

Memorial Events
for Peter Barskis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor Peter Barskis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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