Peter Gyza, Sr., 93, of Colorado Springs, formerly of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, fell asleep in the Lord at home on November 20, 2022.
Peter married the love of his life, Shirley Hudzina Gyza on June 30, 1956. Ordained a Subdeacon in the Orthodox Church, he served eleven years at St. Mary’s Holy Dormition Orthodox Church in Calhan, Colorado. Peter was a man of great faith.
Peter was a 30 year and fourteen day veteran of the United States Air Force retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant where he was the Superintendent of Manpower and Organization for the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) and Air Defense Command.
Peter earned the Bronze Star for his service in the Vietnam conflict among other distinguished service medals and ribbons including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal with 3 Oak Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 1 silver and 1 bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Combat Readiness Medal with 3 Oak Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal.
Following retirement, Peter volunteered in his community for many years. He volunteered for over 25 years with the Colorado Springs Police Department Training Academy receiving Unit of the Year Award where he provided over 28,000 hours of service. Peter was a member of the Austin Bluffs Sertoma Club and served as the past Sergeant at Arms and on the Board of Directors. Peter had a passion to serve and help others whether it be in fundraising or to lend a helping hand to those in need. Peter will be forever remembered for his sense of humor, beautiful voice and contagious smile.
Peter is preceded in death by his parents, John and Matrona Yanchar Gyza; his loving wife of 42 years, Shirley Hudzina Gyza; brothers, Constantine and Thomas Gyza and Archimandrite Sebastian of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Monastery; and sisters, Emily Zielensky, Mary Adamiak, Ann Serniak Freeman, Julie Taffera and Justina Ludwig.
Surviving are a son, Peter Jr. and wife, Janet, Littleton, CO; daughter, Anne Peatross and husband, Scott, Fort Myers, FL; four grandchildren, Sara Tate and husband Mark, Maryville, TN; Jennifer Klammer and husband Bryan, Lakewood, CO; Michael Peatross and wife Janelle, Arlington Heights, IL; and Michelle Foster and husband Jake, Parker, CO; seven great granddaughters, nieces and nephews.
The family extends their love and gratitude to Peter’s long-time dear friend, Rose Timora.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Michael’s Orthodox Church, 512 Summer St., Old Forge, PA 18518 in Peter’s memory.
Visitation will be on November 30th at 4:00 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance Chapel in Colorado Springs followed by a Panikhida service at 6:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be held on December 1st at 9:00 a.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance Chapel by V. Rev. James Jadick and Father Dennis Schutte. Burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 12:00 p.m. with full military honors.
Steve Young
25 Nov 2022The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for CMSgt Gyza’s 30 years of distinguished service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
David J. Malecki
26 Nov 2022Our love and sympathy to our cousins, Uncle Pete will be missed. You are all in our prayers. Love David, Therese, Christine, Camrinn and Adrian C.
Don & Kathy Goldbach
29 Nov 2022Our condolences to Pete Jr and Janet on the passing of your father and father-in-law. Even though he had a very full and blessed life we understand it’s difficult letting him move on. Just know that you will hold onto many dear memories as time passes.
Mike Neppl
1 Dec 2022Our deepest sympathy for the Gyza family. We had the pleasure of living next to Pete and Shirley and also Rose for over 18 years. Although we didn’t see much of Pete in the past 10-years, he was always in our thoughts.
Sincerely Mike, Shawn and Bailey Neppl.