Peter Kuba

LAKEVILLE —Peter Kuba, 75, of Lakeville died Oct. 5, 2018, at Englewood Community Hospital in Englewood, Fla.

Peter was born Aug. 20, 1943, in Reichenberg-Sudetenland. In 1945 his family (mother, grandmother and two brothers) were forced to flee that area relocating to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and making that home.

After completing school, Peter became a tool-and-die maker before beginning his career in auto mechanics, working primarily for Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen. 

During that time as a young man, hockey became a favorite form of recreation, leading him to join the SCR (Sports Club Riessersee) and eventually earning him a place on the German B team in the 1964 Innsbruck, Austria, Olympics.

In 1963 Peter married Anna Luise Hecker, had one son, Peter, and in 1964 moved their family to the United States of America. After a brief stay on Long Island, Lakeville became their permanent home.

Peter’s experience as an auto mechanic in Germany transitioned into a long career in the Lakeville area; he worked for Dutchess Auto, Lotus East, John Fitch, Terni Ford and Community Service. His passion for tinkering with his hands and love of mechanics led Peter to building his own Formula V race car and racing it on the Lime Rock track.

For leisure, he began coaching for the Salisbury Youth Hockey team during their early stages and refereed hockey for many area high schools. As a young man, he enjoyed golf and downhill and cross-country skiing.

Later in life, Peter and his wife, Anna, began retirement at their second home, in southwest Florida, where sunshine and warmth brought new opportunity and adventures.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Anna; and predeceased by his son, Peter. 

Peter will be lovingly missed and kept close in fond memories by his many close friends.

A gravesite interment will be held at the Salisbury Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m. Immediately following, there will be a celebration of life at the Methodist Church Hall in Lakeville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service, Salisbury, CT 06068; National Kidney Foundation, 3000 Whitney Ave. No. 121, Hamden, CT 06518; or American Diabetes Foundation, 260 Cochituate Road, No. 200, Farmington, MA 01701.