Peter F. Katawicz

"Peter F. Katawicz, 94, of Charles St. died September 4, 2005 at home. Born May 20, 1911 in Haverhill, MA, the son of late Frank and Veronica (Corkis) Katawicz, and moved to the Three Rivers area 60 years ago. Peter was self-employed as a mechanic and ran the Three Rivers Auto Center, from which he retired in 1975. He was a member of St. Anne’s Church and was a creative and expert wood craftsman. Houses, businesses and professional buildings throughout the area proudly encompass his love and passion for his work in custom pieces and furniture of all sorts. Peter built a wagon and horses for the Anheuser Busch headquarters in New Hampshire. He stayed active with his woodworking his entire life, even beginning to build a custom harpsichord at the age of 94. Peter was a warm, generous and beloved individual, both within his large extended family, as well as among friends and members of the community. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 30 years, Ellen (Furey) Murphy Katawicz, children Peter Jr. and his wife Phyllis of CA, Bruce and his wife Barbara of FL, Philip Sampson and his wife Anne of Three Rivers, George Sampson of Springfield, John Murphy of Moosup, CT, Daniel Murphy and his wife Cheryl of Bow, NH, Ellen Murphy-Mancini and her husband Joe of Wilbraham, and Paul Murphy and his wife Mary of Monson. He also leaves many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Besides his parents, Peter was predeceased by his previous wife, Flora (Thomas) Sampson. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to Quaboag Valley VNA & Hospice, 42B Wright St., Palmer, MA 01069."