AMHERST – Col. Peter L. Kazlaskas, 87, passed peacefully Aug. 4, 2010, at Maine Veterans Home, Bangor, after a lengthy illness. He was born Aug. 6, 1922, in Bentleyville, Pa., the son of John and Marguerite Kazlaskas. Col. Kazlaskas joined the Armed Forces in 1940, was assigned to the 703rd Ordinance Company at Bangor Air Base, saw duty in the Pacific during World War II, completed officer training school in Australia, returned to duties stateside after the war and upon release from active duty, was assigned to the Air Force Reserves with the 928th VARTU Squadron, Bangor. Later he began his Maine Air National Guard service commanding the 101st Supply Squadron. In the 1960s he was promoted to the ranks of major and lieutenant colonel, having been the supply staff officer with the 101st Air Defense Wing and eventually earning the grade of colonel in 1971. After more than 40 years of duty to country, his list of medals include: Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service Award, the Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two Hour-glass Devices. He attended the University of Pittsburg, studying chemistry and engineering. Col. Kaslaskas was married to the late, former Barbara L. Webber of Garland for 60 years. Their home in Amherst is where Col. Kaslaskas, known as “Pete,” owned Amherst Lumber Co. and Paul Bunyan Furniture. Pete enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the wonderful Maine woods, opera singing, yoga and gardening in his spare time. He is fondly remembered and sadly missed. He is survived by his two children, David and Susan; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Shannon, Susie, Peter, Max and Laura; and two great-grandchildren, Willa Rose and Juliette. In addition to his wife, Barbara, he was predeceased by his siblings, Stella, Margaret, Joseph, John, Charles and Anthony. Graveside funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Mount Rest Cemetery, Tannery Loop Road, Amherst. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
COL. PETER L. KAZLASKAS, RETIRED
