Peter Matchulat

Pete Matchulat was born on October 27, 1957, in Teaneck, New Jersey, to Fred and Gertrude Matchulat. When he was 16 years old, Pete moved to Lorane, Oregon, where he completed high school and worked in the lumber mill with his lifetime buddy, Steve Chamblee. Pete worked on and drove fast cars, got into trouble and learned to cook for five roommates. He intended to enter a training program at the shipyards on the Oregon coast, but on a lark accepted an interview with PNM in New Mexico. He signed on and left Oregon to work for PNM in 1982. He was a power plant mechanic at PNM for 30 years, where he was known to be a hard worker and prankster. He retired in 2012 and set out an adventure of travel and leisure. Not long after moving to Farmington, Pete met his lifetime friend, Mary Felty, who eventually introduced him to his wife, Sabrina. Together they adopted a daughter, Heather Marie. Pete taught Heather to swim in the backyard pool, and she became a lifeguard, swim instructor and teacher of special needs kids in Monterey, California. Pete was known for his service as a treatment foster parent for seven years. He also supported local children's programs, including Clothes for Kids He was a supporter of Shadow of his Wings Ministries and attended Hills Church. In his younger years, he coached Little League baseball. Pete's passion was cooking, especially BBQ, ribs being his favorite, but he was also known for his brisket and German food. In retirement, Pete maintained a tropical paradise in his backyard where he enjoyed his morning coffee and all-day music, entertained friends and floated in the pool. He was a metal craftsman. It was Pete's daily habit to lift weights at San Juan College gym. Pete will be remembered for his entertaining stories, laughter and quick smile. He is survived by his wife, Sabrina, daughter Taree Matlock and her husband, Chris, grandson Boston Ray, stepsons Jesse and Justin Hawkins, "Mom" Mary Felty, friend Cory Stevenson, and many other friends. He had two older siblings, Karen Garguilo of Closter, New Jersey, and Paul, deceased. He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Heather. Pete was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2017 but enjoyed the past years in remission and good health. He passed away at home on February 25, 2024, after a six-month battle with complications from cancer and its treatment. He had adamant appreciation for his oncologist, Dr. Sardar Imam. A celebration of Pete's life will be held at 1:30pm Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Gateway Museum in Farmington, New Mexico. Please add to our joy in celebrating Pete with music, BBQ and memories.