Peter Dean Shalek

Peter Dean Shalek, 88 of Los Alamos passed away on July 15, 2018.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Dr. and Mrs. Victor Shalek. Pete graduated from the University of Illinois and received a PhD in Ceramic Engineering. He worked as a ceramic engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Pete was married to Rosemarie Castelli in 1957 and they were devoted to each other for 61 years. He was an avid tennis player and played until the age of 78. He loved the outdoors and especially hiking, camping, sailing, and biking with his family. Pete was devoted to improving the lives of people with special needs. He was involved with the Special Olympics and led the development of community group homes.
Pete will be remembered most for his positive outlook on life and the kindness and respect he showed to everyone he met. He saw the best in everyone and only the good in the world. He was a gentle man with an extraordinary amount of patience and love. The world is a better place because of him and his legacy will live on through those he leaves behind.
Pete is survived by his wife Rosemarie and three children: Tina Shalek of Los Alamos; Meg McKnight (Phillip) of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; Sara Anderson (Mike) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and eight loving grandchildren who will miss him dearly. He is also survived by his sister Joan Hooker of Oak Park, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to: Los Alamos Group Home P.O. Box 1093 Los Alamos, NM 87544, Phyllis Foley, treasurer.
A Celebration of Pete’s Life will be held at the United Church of Los Alamos on August 10 at 11:00 am.

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