Peter Edward Kowilcik

Peter Edward Kowilcik was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 27, 1945 to Thaddeus Walter Kowilcik and Alice Isabel Kittredge. He died of bladder and colon cancer on January 17, 2023 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston soon after his and his twin sister’s 77th birthday.

Peter is survived by his partner of 38 years, Donna MacLean, and her two sons, Douglas and Derek. He is also survived by his five siblings: Thaddeus Kowilcik Jr. and wife Judy; Victoria Cooper; Michael Kowilcik and wife Fran Waldron; Lisa Stott and husband Steve; and Kim Shepherd, as well as eight nieces and nephews and numerous cousins, including Cousin Lisa Hassam on Donna’s side. 

He graduated from North Quincy High School and served as a Private First Class in the US Army, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars and the Bronze Star Medal with a V-Device for his meritorious service. 

Peter loved being by the water and was active in the Plymouth Yacht Club and the founder of its annual Brown’s Bank Golf Tournament on Long Beach, Plymouth. He treasured antique wooden boats, which he lovingly restored. His first all-natural wooden boat was moored next to the Mayflower and profiled on the Plymouth Town website. His latest boat on the Plymouth waterways was named “Out There/Stealth.”

He became a house painter after the War and was known for his meticulous attention to detail and eye for color. It came naturally to him. He took up photography—especially of lighthouses, boats, and ocean scenes. His first job was at MIT as a draftsman and graphic designer. He quit that job to become a ski bum because he was a free spirit! Then, his love for the sea and everything else would follow…

Peter will be sorely missed for his sly humor, generosity, gentleness, and sweet nature. He was the definition of a true gentleman. Except when expounding on his distaste for politicians, he was perhaps the quietest member of his boisterous family; but his waters ran deep. 

The services for Peter Kowilcik will be held at Hamel-Lydon Chapel, 650 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA from 4:00-6:00pm on Monday, January 23, 2023. All friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please give a donation in Peter’s memory to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: www.dana-farber.org