Obituary of Peter J Abramchak

Peter J.  Abramchak "Pittstown Pete", 70, Pittstown NJ passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 17, 2018 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville NJ.  Peter who was born in Jersey City New Jersey was the only son to the late Peter and Shirley Abramchak. 

During Peter's early life he was an active musician who played in three rock and roll bands.  One of his bands placed second in a New Jersey state band competition.  He enjoyed playing the accordion as well as being a talented guitarist.  During his teenage years he would play the guitar over a telephone party line for hours to the love of his life, Geraldine, who he would later marry.   

On August 16, 1967 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp knowing that he may have to serve in combat as the United States was currently involved in a conflict in Vietnam.    After receiving his military training he was ordered to Vietnam.  Peter was a Field Radio Operator who had the responsibility of calling in coordinates for air strikes during battle.  He was part of the 1 9 3rd Marine Division known as the "The Walking Dead".  He personally was known as a "30 day wonder" as he was cross trained in numerous different military operations.   Upon arrival in Vietnam he was stationed at a military base in Khe Sanh.  During the Tet Offensive of the early part of 1968, Peter who fought bravely and valiantly was injured by incoming mortar rounds as he was bunkered in a fox hole with fellow Marines.  Peter was pulled to safety by two brave Marines who carried him to a helicopter landing zone that was under heavy enemy fire.   Peter lost many friends and Marines during the Tet Offensive at Khe Sanh.  Peter left the Marine Corp as a Lance Corporal on November 30, 1968 and due to his faithful and honorable service received a full military retirement on March 1, 1971. Due to unselfish service to the country he loved he was awarded numerous citations, medals and ribbons.   He received the distinguished Purple Heart Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Rifle Marksman Qualification Badge. 

After serving his county Peter attended college and attained a Masters of Education Degree from Seton Hall University in South Orange New Jersey.  Peter married the love of his life, Geraldine, on June 17, 1972 in St Michaels Church Bayonne New Jersey.   Peter and Geraldine spent most of their 45 years together residing in Bayonne New Jersey and at their current address in Pittstown New Jersey.   Peter worked for many years counseling individuals who suffered from post traumatic stress disorder at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Trenton NJ and Newark NJ.  He was a counseling psychologist. 

Peter was a fun individual who loved to laugh.  He would spend hours watching past sitcoms such as Abbott and Costello, the Marx Brother, WC Fields and the Honeymooners. He was very generous and giving and never wanted the attention on himself.  He was spiritual in his own way.  He continued in life with his love for music.   He loved to cruise on the Queen Mary II and sailed with Geraldine four times on this special ship.  He was very meticulous with his personal appearance and Geraldine used to glow when she stood next to him at events and functions.   He was known by many as "Pittstown Pete"   He enjoyed calling his favorite radio station WDVR in Sergeantsville, NJ and when they would ask who the caller was he would reply "Pittstown Pete".  This name stuck with him. 

Peter belonged to numerous organizations such as the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Marine Corp League, the Hunterdon County Bulldogs, and he was a 4th degree Knight for the Immaculate Conception Knights of Columbus. 

He is survived by his loving wife Geraldine of 45 years.  He is also survived by his brother in law and sister in law Joseph and Nadine Januzis, niece Jennifer Januzis (Protyniak) and husband Dr. Bo Protyniak, niece Dr. Natalie Beckmann and husband Adam Beckmann and many cousins.  He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.  His two furry friends Fannie and Boychick will also sadly miss him.

Services will take place with a visitation for friends and family at the Martin Funeral Home 1761 Rt. 31 Clinton NJ (908)735-7180 on Sunday April 22, 2018  in the afternoon between 1:00pm and 5:00pm.  Burial with full military honors will be private at a later date at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery located in Arneytown, North Hanover Township, Burlington County NJ. 

In lieu of flowers donations in Peter's name may be made IN MEMOERY OF for the ASPCA at www.inmemoryof-memorial.org      

For further information or to offer words of condolence to the family please visit www.martinfh.com.