Peter E. Caikauskas, Jr.

Peter E. Caikauskas, Jr., 82, of Manchester, NH, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on Monday, May 12, 2025 at his residence, in Manchester, NH.

Peter was born on June 25, 1942, in Manchester, NH, the son of the late Peter E. and Ethel (Nelson) Caikauskas, Sr. He was a lifelong resident of Manchester, NH.

Upon graduation from Bishop Bradley High School in Manchester, Peter enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a military police officer stationed primarily in Plattsburgh, New York. He was later employed as a forklift operator for Associated Grocers of New England from which he retired after 37 years. During that time, Peter also operated his own wedding photography business, The Bridal Studio, for nearly 20 years.

Peter could usually be found in his garage restoring antique cars, including his wife Kathy’s favorite, a 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible, as well as a 1955 Buick Roadmaster convertible, and a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible, among many others. Walking into “Pete’s Time Warp Garage,” every inch of which was covered with 1950’s memorabilia and antiques, was truly a blast from the past. He spent many hours there with grandchildren piled on his lap, letting them tinker around building things and teaching them everything he knew. Most recently, he spent time there passing on his vast knowledge of antique restoration to his nephew, Daren, whom he loved dearly.

Peter had the voice of an angel, strikingly similar to his favorite artist, Jim Reeves. A 1980’s recording once resulted in an offer to go to Nashville to explore his talents, but this family man refused to uproot his children and leave the area, people, and life he loved. Peter was also the photographer of the family, always armed with a camera to capture every smile, amassing thousands of family photos. He learned to use a computer in his 60’s and spent much time putting those photos and videos to music in a large collection of DVDs which his family will always cherish. But more than anything, Peter was a family man to the core. No matter what he was doing, or what chores he had planned for the day, he dropped everything for any opportunity to go for a classic car cruise with Kathy, get ice cream with his kids, build something with his grandkids, or play a game with his great-grandkids. He could often be heard yelling “I’ll race you to the car!” and relished time with his grandchildren, sometimes even helping them get into silly mischief. He was an old-fashioned Grampa and was truly a kid’s best friend.

Peter married the love of his life, Kathleen Ann (Sargent), on February 9, 1963. Her passing in 2003 would forever change him. He made a promise to her that he would take care of the family they treasured, and he did an amazing job at upholding that promise. He had an old-school frame of mind, a witty sense of humor that kept everyone entertained, and was a gentle, kind, and easy-going soul who touched the lives of everyone he met.

He leaves behind three children, David Caikauskas, Kevin Caikauskas (and his wife Lisa), and Sharon Leonard (and her husband Joe), all of Manchester, NH; six grandchildren, Rick (and his wife Nicole), Peter (and his wife Rachel), Sarah (and her husband Brian), Kelly, Morgan, and David; eight great-grandchildren, Alison, Skylar, Jackson, Logan, Elizabeth, Emelia, Michael, and Sophie; and four siblings, Ginger Cassidy, Francis Mailhot, Joanne Lombardo, and Richard Caikauskas.

Dad, we will love you forever and will miss you more than words can say. We take comfort in knowing that you and Mom are back together dancing once again in Heaven’s Carousel Ballroom. Your tremendous love, strength, and guidance throughout the years mean more than you could have ever known and will carry us through until we meet again.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, in Manchester. Committal prayers with military honors will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery, 448 Donald Street, in Bedford, NH.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, Attn: Benderson Family Heart Center, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215, or by visiting https://giving.childrenshospital.org, choosing Gift Designation/Other, and directing your donation to the Benderson Family Heart Center.

Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium assisted the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to https://phaneuf.net/