Peter Chiovare

Peter Michael Chiovare

It was a warm Spring day on April 24 1996. The clock struck 2:30 in the afternoon and the cries of a brand new baby rang through the maternity ward of Arcadia methodist hospital. Shortly after, a roaring charge came bustling through the halls with the glorious cheer of “IT’S A BOY!!!” echoing thunderously through the corridors. His proud father was excitedly met with a booming stampede of family and friends as they collectively held each other jumping and shouting with sheer joy. Peter Michael was born.

His parents, Mike and Cari, were over the moon ecstatically in love with their new addition. With Peter, their family was complete. The Greek translation of the name Peter is “rock” and throughout Peter’s life, this would perfectly describe his character.

At home, Peter was reluctantly greeted by his two big sisters, Kirstin and Kalin, whom for the preceding 9 months proclaimed desperately they wanted a baby sister--and ONLY a baby sister. So much so that when Kalin was asked by her pre-school teacher what her new brother’s name was she replied, “I don’t know, I think Steve?”

Once the initial cloud of disappointment dwindled, the girls immediately realized that baby Peter was their missing puzzle piece. From that moment forward, they adorned over his every need and want. They swiftly took him under their wings and over the subsequent years introduced him to the joys of Barbies, Spice Girls, and princesses- to which he willingly participated in. His sisters were his role models and guardian angels. He followed them around like a baby duckling, yearning to be included in their pursuits--whatever they may be.

As an infant, Peter was described by his mom as a “dream baby” who was smiley with a mild temperament. He ate everything you put in front of him and could fall asleep in the loudest restaurant or party with ease. In fact, for the first several years of his life, it was seldom Peter could make it through a family meal without turning the restaurant booth into his rest stop for the evening.

Peter was an imaginative and cheerful child. His days were filled with make believe and curiosity. He had numerous hyper fixations over the years ranging from orca whales, to Steve Irwin and Spiderman. He was inspired by his favorite movies like the Sandlot and Free Willy but also by the important people in his life. He had enumerable mentors, coaches, and role models that he looked up to both within his personal inner circle and celebrity. He was somewhat of a sponge assimilating himself to these icons and heroes by adopting their characteristics, traits and eventually personal values.

He would spend hours tying up plastic crocodiles and rolling around in the mud with them while speaking in an Australian accent, in hopes of rescuing them back to the zoo. He incorporated catch phrases and mannerisms from people like John Cena, Mike Trout and Rob Gronkowski. The people he emulated the most throughout his life were his dad and uncles Joe & Steve. As a unit they were buddies, business partners and in many ways, Peter was their fourth brother.

Peter’s physical appearance and stature has always been sturdy and substantial from day one. Unlike his sisters, he was a gifted athlete from an early age. He actively participated and usually dominated in a variety of youth sports such as soccer, basketball, and football. He was particularly talented in baseball and it was a passion that he always carried on. Due to his size and god-given strength, he made little league All-Stars every single year for 8 straight seasons. In middle school, he joined a travel baseball league called “The Saltdogs” that he thrived in. He went on to play varsity baseball for Glendora High School. Through that experience, he found his wolf pack of core best friends that would stick by his side until the very end. At every sporting event and game throughout his life, Peter always had the largest crowd of supporters by far. Uncles, aunts, cousins, siblings, neighbors, and friends would all convene to cheer him on. His Grandma Donna and Grandpa Sven didn’t miss a single outing. They cherished every minute of watching him. He enjoyed glancing into the stands while on deck or on base to give a quick smile or wave to his fans.

His biggest fan of all was his dad, Mike. Peter was coached by Mike through all of his athletic endeavors in childhood and then in adulthood as his advisor, partner and often opponent in golf. To say that Peter was the apple of his dad’s eye was an absolute understatement. Peter fulfilled Mike’s lifelong dream of having a beautiful, strong, and healthy son. He finally had a built-in-best-friend. They were inseparable both physically and metaphorically. Their bond felt tangible and visceral to those around them. Mike relished in the gratification of Peter’s achievements. Peter’s wins were just as much Mike’s wins whether it was on a baseball field, a golf course, getting a good grade on a test, or catching a massive fish. They had their own secret language of baseball analytics and WWE wresting moves.

Beyond sharing all of the same hobbies, which sparked a never ending game of competition between the two, they took most pleasure in just existing amongst each other. Words didn’t need to be exchanged; a plan didn’t need to be set-- just merely being in one another’s presence was a mutual paradise. Their union was a ubiquitous experience. The devoted father-son relationship Peter and Mike had often imitated one of brotherhood. Their lives intertwined so deeply they practically shared a brain. They shared friends, they shared clothes, they shared opinions, they had the same reaction to a sports play at the exact same time-- every single time. They shared a fanatic passion for the LA Dodgers and Rams. As Peter grew up, their roles interchanged. He became Mike’s watchdog and supervisor. Peter and Mike were true soulmates.

Peter’s relationship with his Mom, Cari, was one of the most special in his life. She considered him her most loyal companion and he leaned on her for endless support and encouragement. Peter was a true mama’s boy. Peter would call or see his mom on daily basis, he always craved her presence. Cari was his biggest caretaker and advocate. She was his greatest champion. In her eyes, he was perfection. Cari’s attentive and nurturing love shaped Peter into the brave, genuine, kind, and loyal person she had always envisioned in her son. He made her endlessly proud.

Peter was the only boy amongst his siblings, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have brothers. He had blood brothers personified by his uncles and cousins. Peter was described as the “leader of the cousin pack.” He was their protector and role model. Peter had an innate ability to connect with kids and babies. His endearing and genuine nature made others feel safe and supported. Peter was funny and carefree. He lifted the spirits of those around him, especially his family. Peter was passionate about the people he loved. He was devoted to having fun and making the most out of every situation. Peter’s presence was a crucial piece of the foundation of his family dynamic. The relationships he had with his aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents were close, secure and entwined. They spent countless hours making memories, going on trips, sending inappropriate text messages, snuggling on the couch in a big dog pile, playing games, singing songs, cracking endless jokes, dancing, and most notably-- eating. His mom, aunts, and grandmas would dote over Peter, making sure he always had a full belly, and that the air conditioning was turned on whenever they were together. It was always a spectacle to watch Peter eat. He would pile his plate high as the sky and then inhale the mass at lightning speed, always ready for round two. He was a spoiled little prince who never lifted a finger when it came to cleaning or doing dishes at the end of the night either because he would say “that was the best meal I've ever had” or because he was taking a post-dinner nap. Although, he carried his weight by doing the heavy lifting of dragging tables and chairs and moving furniture.

Peter spent a lot of his free time with his uncles and cousins on various “boys trips”. They frequently took weekend trips hunting, golfing and gambling. Peter’s ‘heaven on earth” was Wier Lake where they would camp, fish and drink beer.

Last year, Peter took on a new role in life as “Uncle” to his nephew Teddy whom he endearingly referred to as “Chonks”. Peter often expressed how much joy Teddy brought to his life. The feeling was mutual. Teddy was drawn to Peter and felt comfort in his big muscular arms. Peter loved to encourage Teddy to break out of his shell and explore his mischievous side. He chuckled at how rough Teddy played with his toys and his obsession with throwing balls. They were bound to be best friends.

Peter was fortunate enough to find his chosen brothers in his close friend group he sustained from childhood through his 20’s. They bonded over lifting weights, fantasy football, playing golf, betting on sports, video games and partying the night away. His friends describe Peter as an “experience” with his loud voice and infectious laugh. He was the energy in the room when they were together. Peter had immense loyalty to his friends, always had their back, and would be there at the drop of a hat if they needed him.

Everyone that knew Peter was lucky to know him. He made friends easily with his unwaveringly positive outlook, larger than life persona and heart of gold. These qualities are what initially attracted Grazia to Peter back when they were gym buddies in their early 20’s. As their friendship grew, their adoration for one another blossomed into a romantic relationship. For the last 6 years, Peter and Grazia shared a home together filled with love and comfort, frequently attending concerts and festivals, hockey games, vacations, and casino trips. She was his partner and confidant, his best friend, his ally, and love of his life.

Peter had a unique personality. He was a warrior and force to be reckoned with, but in the same token, he was a loving, selfless, gentle giant. He was obsessed with going to the gym and being strong. He exuded masculinity. Contrarily, he also could never resist indulging in a umbrella-ed Mai Tai or other elaborate fruity cocktail when out at a bar. He was multifaceted, which is what made him down to earth and approachable to all. Peter was the life of the party at any event-- big or small. His explosive catchphrase of “LETS FUCKING GOOOOO” was synonymous with the enthusiasm and passion he had for living his best life.

Peter brought a sense of humor to every situation. As a TRUE Chiovare, descended from Tony Chiovare himself, he loved to gamble-- especially betting on football. Most of the time, he would lose his money. But, in the rare occasions he would come out on top, he would say “I’m really good at this stuff” just to crack a laugh out of those around him. Peter amazed everyone in his life with his brut strength. When he swung a golf club, it was like watching a scene out of Happy Gilmore. He would lift and tackle his cousins through the air as if they were weightless. The comforting shadow of Peter’s towering stature brought a sense of safety and security to his loved ones. He was fearless. It felt as though nothing in the universe was more powerful or ferocious than Peter.

Peter woke up on the morning of June 18 feeling dizzy and disoriented. He was weak and had a stomachache that sustained through the night. He called his sister Kalin to pick him up and take him to the ER. As they waited to be seen, they were joined by Mike and Cari. What they thought would be a routine diagnosis of a minor infection or virus shortly turned into a living nightmare.

“He has leukemia” Kalin gasped through the phone to Kirstin later that afternoon, overcome with disbelief and angst.

As the family tended to Peter’s bedside in the ER, waves of shock, dread, and hope crashed through each of their hearts as they prepared for what they assumed would be a long intense battle. They were up for the challenge and of course, so was Peter.

In what felt like the blink of an eye, Peter’s condition rapidly deteriorated. In the afternoon of June 20, he was admitted to the ICU where a giant team of doctors and nurses worked tirelessly to fight the cancer and save his life.

But it was too late. The beast was too big. The battle was lost.

The elated shrieks of happiness and joy in the hospital corridors 28 years prior turned to moaning cries of heart shattering despair. Peter Michael was gone.

How will we learn to live without you, Peter?

Our protector, our security guard, our giant teddy bear, our companion, our safe place, our superhero, our ROCK…and now our guardian angel. Called upon to guide us through the next chapters of what’s left for us here on earth. Peter Michael Chiovare. Our fearless, genuine, dynamic, tenacious, brave Peter. Until we meet again.