AUBURN – Peter Yakawonis, 75, and a longtime resident of Turner, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, Dec. 24, 2022., at the Androscoggin Hospice House with family at his side. He was born in Lewiston on June 11, 1947, a son of the late John and Dorothy (Nezol) Yakawonis. He grew up on a beautiful farm in Greene with the family’s beloved basset hounds. After graduating from Leavitt Institute, in 1965, he continued his education at Colby College, where he was a fraternity brother in Lambda Chi Alpha and enjoying the wildest days of his life. Peter was a great athlete having captained football and played baseball in high school. He continued playing baseball at Colby under Coach John Winkin. Even in his later years, he played softball for Pudgy’s Cycle.

He was always self-employed, working many years for surveyors Clyde Hodgkins and Dave Buker in Greene. On Jan. 22, 1998, he married the former Celeste Handville and together they settled in Turner to begin their life together. Peter loved collecting and trading sports cards and spending time at Republic Jewelry & Collectables in Auburn. In the 90’s Peter opened “Card Collectors’ Connection”, a card shop in Waterville. In recent years, he was buying and selling sports cards extensively on Ebay. Peter was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and Bruins.

He was known for his easy-going personality, but was a perfectionist at heart and refused to do anything half-way. Peter preferred staying at home except when he had the opportunity to see Huey Lewis and the News in concert. Peter was a loving, devoted and hardworking husband, dogfather and stepfather who will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Celeste Yakawonis of Turner; his step-daughters Kate Handville and her partner (the favorite) Amanda Pond of Portland and Margaret Handville of Seal Cove; his niece, Sarah Yakawonis of Washington; and several cousins. Peter was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, John and Gary Yakawonis, and many beloved pets.

The family would like to thank the staff of Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice, especially Susan and Christina, for their care, support and compassion shown to Peter and his family during his illness. At his request, there will be no service –a spring committal will be held.

To leave a message for the family in their online guestbook, please visit http://www.advantageportland.com

A service of The Fortin Group, Auburn, 783-8545.

Donations in Peter’s memory may be made to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter-Fryeburg, Maine.