AUBURN- Peter J. Askervitch, Sr., 96, Lifelong resident of Auburn, died Tuesday, June 9, 2015 in UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

His wife of 50 years, Mary J. (Boudas) Askervitch died in 1997. He leaves his son, Peter J. Askervitch, Jr., and his companion, Debbie Burlingame of Charlton with whom he made his home; two sisters, Nell Forsberg and Bertha Dillon both of Worcester; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Richard ; two brothers, Bill and Joe and a sister, Ann.

Peter was born in Worcester, son of the late Michael and Agatha (Pauzas) Askervitch. Peter moved to Auburn as a young child, and Auburn was always his beloved town.

He enlisted into the Unites States Navy as a young man, serving proudly for the entire duration of W.W. II. He attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer he as the crew chief aboard a P.B.M., a flying boat which scoured the Pacific in search of submarines. Peter was a decorated veteran, receiving amongst other medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He worked as a Plant Mechanic for J. J. Nissen Baking Company from which he retired after 35 years of service. He loved yard sales and the Charlton Flea Market. He was an avid outdoorsman and who loved to be out in the woods. Peter was a charter member of the Auburn Sportsman Club, he spent many a morning after his retirement taking nature walks with his buddied there.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Peter’s family on Friday, June 12, 2015 from 5-7 PM in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. His funeral will be on Saturday, June 13, 2015 from the funeral home with a funeral Mass at 10 AM in Saint Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street, North, Auburn. Burial with military honors will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. Donations in Peter’s memory can be made to the Auburn Historical Society, 41 South Street, Auburn, a place where Peter was a member and enjoyed spending time.