Peter John Keklak, 55, of Cape Coral, Florida, passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on March 21, 2026, after a courageous battle with small cell lung cancer at the VA Hospice House. Born on April 24, 1970, in Norwich, Connecticut, Pete was a man who truly embraced life, adventure, and connection with others.

Pete graduated from RHAM High School in Hebron, Connecticut, in 1988 and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. Following his service, he built a life rooted in hard work and entrepreneurship. He spent several years living in the Florida Keys, where he loved diving for fish and often shared stories of his time beneath the ocean. Once moving back to Connecticut, he then owned and operated Peter John’s Remodeling in Hebron, Connecticut.

After relocating to Florida with his wife, Jennifer, Pete launched a successful business buying and selling storage units—an endeavor that perfectly matched his love for discovery and storytelling. He found joy in uncovering hidden treasures and sharing those stories with anyone willing to listen.

One of Pete’s greatest passions came to life when he started his food truck, Early Bird’s Coffee and More. With his love for cooking and his natural gift for conversation, Pete thrived while serving customers at the Shell Factory Flea Market and the Dixie Roadhouse in Cape Coral, Florida. He had a way of making everyone feel like an old friend.

When Jennifer began travel nursing, Pete eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore the country together, turning it into their next great adventure. Their journey brought them to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Pete was later diagnosed with small cell lung cancer.

Pete had a deep love for going on cruises with family and friends, traveling, and experiencing new places. He was known for his boundless energy, strong work ethic, and warm, outgoing personality. Pete never met a stranger—he could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them smiling. He was kind-hearted, humorous, and loved to joke and tease those around him.

Pete is survived by his devoted wife, Jennifer Laws; his daughter, Paige McNichols; his son-in-law Taylor Bates; his daughter Sarah McCabe and husband Max McCabe; his son, Nathan Laws; his cherished grandson, Remington Bates; his loving mother, Elaine Cerna; his devoted sister, Tammy Burnett; his niece, Angela Fournier; his nephew, Frank Burnett and wife Brittany Burnett; his four nephews, Hunter, Kai, Odin, and Griffin; his cousin and best friend, Mike Thompson; his mother-in-law, Betty Fitzgerald; his father-in-law, Robert Fitzgerald; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends from high school. He was predeceased by his father, John Keklak; paternal grandmother, Ann Keklak; and maternal grandparents, Tony Sylvester and June Worski; and his beloved dog Precious.

A celebration of Pete’s life will be held in Connecticut in the summer.

Pete will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, his love of people, and the joy and laughter he brought to every room he entered.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, relatives, and coworkers who offered unwavering support throughout Pete’s illness. He was deeply touched and sincerely grateful for every act of kindness, including those from individuals he never had the chance to meet.

The family also wishes to express their profound appreciation to the doctors, nurses, technicians, and staff at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as the compassionate team at the VA Hospice House. Your kindness, dedication, and attentive care provided comfort and dignity in his final days, and your support meant more to Pete and his family than words can fully express.

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