Peter Zavadowsky Obituary

Our sympathies and prayers for Dr. Peter and all the Zavadowsky's.

Katie and Mary Pat,

I am sorry for the loss of your dad. I would like to share my own personal experiences with both you, knowing how he described his love for both of you. Your dad was part of my life from the day I was born and few people know the profound impact he had on my personal, spiritual and professional life (not to mention probably the reason I seek out Shrines whenever I travel!).I am reminded of him everyday, as I have kept a statue of Mary, that he gave me for my first Communion, next to bed through high school, college, and where it remains today. While we both went through life, with long periods of little contact, his inspiration remained with me. His unquenchable passion for life was fueled by love, especially in his love for both of you. Later in life, he added the lesson of the importance of loving your children as much as we love God, as he saw me working too hard. I knew he had good insight into how we may misdirect our love and passion toward other venues, however, we ended that conversation both of us admitting how difficult it can be to say "no" to something that brings us closer toward impacting as many as we can in this lifetime. We both acknowledged how our spiritual, personal and professional vocations come with many blessings bur also challenges. It seemed like an unfinished discussion, but I think we both understood that our faith would help us find the direction during those challenging times. Even as I child, I use to think your dad was a man who came into this world before his time, in order to fully appreciate the expression of his love through so many dimensions. I recall one moment with him 48 years ago, when he took me aside, looked at me with his compassionate eyes (suppressing his smile to make sure I knew he was serious), and said "...sometimes life may be challenging, but if you remember that our Blessed Mother is always there for you and you respect yourself..." life will be a gift. And than let that smile come out and told me to go off and have fun. Those may have been simple words, but his timing and delivery were among the gifts he could pull out of a hat at any time, and have lifelong impact. I feel Blessed that your dad was in my life. I wish we had more contact over the years, but that may have been part of your dad's ability to have such an impact on me. I wanted to share that because as child or parent, we may miss those things that are in front of us everyday. I know how Blessed he felt with both of you! Your dad was really a man of his own ideas driven by passion and love; sometimes without enough time and space to always express his love, I can only imagine how frustrating that could be for all. Your dad was blessed to have felt the embracing, loving arms and care that both of you gave him in these last few weeks; and confident that he went right into the many loving arms embracing him today in Heaven. He finally reached his goal toward the Resurrection of his Shrine!

You remain in our thoughts and prayers,

John, Sandy, Emily, Alexa, and Michael Zajecka

Katie,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad! You're in my thoughts and prayers!

Kathy B.