Peter Joseph Sapienza
Dec. 30, 1945 - April 10, 2024
Peter Joseph Sapienza’s life was forever changed to an eternal one on April 10, 2024, as he took his first breath in Heaven held by his wife Laurie and daughters Kathrine, Amy and Anne.
How do we summarize a man like him? Counselor, woodworker, veteran, fixer of our: cars, house, electronics, or anything a stranger or friend brought him. Best gluer of: broken toys, hearts or keepsakes. Dancer, music lover, mom lover, holiday lover, pepperoni pizza lover, and a walking Almanac. Keeper of all our: secrets, pets while we were away, and dreams. Strong in body and in his faith and cared that we were the same. Practical while knowing his girls so well as to make sure his advice, (“Alright kid, I’ll give you until 6 p.m. and then get out of here and go take care of you, your spoiled dog/cat/guinea pig/horse and be with your husband. Go eat something, rest, & do something you love. Then give the rest to God and don’t let the BS get you down.”) made us feel like we were honoring him as he honored us trying to balance life and care for him or mom. We were so privileged to be by his side in those last moments sharing, laughing, playing music and making all the commotion he loved so well.
Peter was born on December 30, 1945, and grew up in South Philadelphia. If he was not fixing or building something then he could be seen racing to line-up and dance on the American Bandstand television show (the same show his future wife was not allowed to watch). While in high school he earned a full scholarship from the Philco-Ford Corporation for building a refrigerator but life soon had other plans as the Vietnam War progressed. Peter signed up for the U.S. Navy and served on the guided missile destroyer USS Horne and the aircraft carrier USS America during his active duty years 1966 through 1973. Peter had a love for knowledge and only needed a book to teach himself any skill from building custom furniture to fixing anything but he received degrees in Computer Technology (RCA Institute), Electrical Engineering (Harper College), Computer Science (Schoolcraft College) and a BS in Business Management (Cardinal Stritch University). He loved being an instructor at the U.S. Navy School, Data General/EMI Medical/GE Medical or at Rockler Woodworking and made sure his daughters were alongside him whatever the project may be. He used those skills to help others whether building homes through Habitat for Humanity, restoring historic buildings with his local woodworkers guild, or helping others heal in body and spirit through the Lions Club or his church. How many of us own a handmade gift of wood designed and crafted by Peter just for us?
Peter married his wife Laurie of nigh 55 years on May 3, 1969, after meeting outside of the USO Club in Chicago the prior year. Arm in arm they raised their three daughters, Kathrine (Robert) Flitsch, Amy Sapienza and Anne (Tim) Johnson, and loved to be with their granddaughter Holly Flitsch and her soon-to-be husband Kevin Gratz. He leaves a wake of countless relatives, friends, people and pets all blessed just for knowing him. Peter was a man of action but also one who regularly reminded us of his love through notes, voicemails, and texts while pointing us to God’s love; you are never alone if you trust and believe in God and His grace and mercy.
“He was always better than his word and as good a friend, as good a father and as good a man as any city knew or any other good old city, town or borough in the good old world. May that be truly said of all of us!”
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Three Pillars and Oconomowoc Memorial ICU for their unwavering support during Peter’s final days.
In honor or Peter’s memory, the family kindly requests donations to the Gary Sinise Foundation or Pets for Patriots .
Services will be held on Saturday, April 27, at Peace Lutheran Church, 17651 W. Small Road, New Berlin, WI 53146, starting with a visitation from 10-11:30 a.m. with funeral and U.S. Navy rites following.
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39
Pagenkopf Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, call 262-567-4457 or visit .