Peter Glowacki

Mr. Glowacki was born on May 24, 1947, in Vancouver, Washington, and was a son of Stanley and Bette. He was raised in a large, lively family that helped shape his bold and outspoken character. His family moved to Torrance, California, in the late 1950s. It was there that he met the love of his life, Susanna — Suzi to those who knew her best. Together they shared an extraordinary 56-year marriage, raising five children and moving across the Western United States in pursuit of life’s next great chapter. From the beaches of Southern California to the shores of Maui, the peaks of Colorado to the redwoods of Northern California and ultimately to the desert of Maricopa, he made every house a home with his skilled hands and unwavering devotion. A journeyman carpenter by trade, he left his mark on countless homes and built a legacy of craftsmanship, from lovingly built bookshelves to a backyard halfpipe for his kids.

He proudly served his country as a Marine, including a tour in Vietnam. A founding member of the Maricopa Veterans of Foreign Wars, he honored his fellow veterans with great dignity, especially on Memorial Day, when he could be found handing out poppies in remembrance and pride. He had a deep love of the ocean and a lifelong passion for surfing, never missing a competition on YouTube and sharing surf stories that painted pictures of a youthful California. He also was a passionate fan of NASCAR, all things golf and his beloved Diamondbacks. But perhaps his greatest love was music. A gifted guitarist and pianist, he introduced generations of family to the rhythms of reggae, the soul of jazz, the anthems of classic rock and the depth of southern soul.

He was never one to mince words. He said what he meant, meant what he said, and could always be counted on for a laugh, a strong opinion and a heart bigger than life. What he didn’t express through words, he conveyed through his memorable dance moves.

He is survived by his beloved wife Susanna; five daughters and sons, Kim Crosby, Stan, Joe, John and Elizabeth Moya; three brothers, John, Paul and Stosh; three sisters, Susie, Mary and Theresa; and five grandchildren.

Private burial on Thursday, May 22, at Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at Marana. Open house celebration of life from 2 to 5 p.m. at Maricopa VFW.

The family urges people to play their favorite song, share a story, build something with their hands or simply speak their truth.

J. Warren Funeral Services in charge of arrangements.