Peter Conigliaro passed away peacefully on April 17th surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy (née Hoppe); his children Julie, Kathy, James (Jennifer), and Paul (Emily); and his grandchildren Ari, Gryffin, Hope, Ian, and Kaliyah.

Peter lived a full and rich life, one filled with joy and gratitude. He approached each day as it was meant to be—a gift. He loved nature, spending countless hours tending his garden with care and patience, taking drives with his wife Nancy to appreciate Wisconsin’s abundant lakes, and making it a priority to bring his family to national parks across North America to experience their beauty together. He loved the animals that surround him—neighborhood dogs, the turkeys that happily ate the peanuts he offered, and even the deer that ate his flowers. At night, he often turned his eyes to the sky to appreciate the stars and planets drifting overhead.

He fostered a deep love of science. With a PhD in chemistry, Peter never lost his sense of wonder at the natural world or his appreciation for human achievement. He was continually inspired by the capacity of people to discover, understand, and create such remarkable scientific knowledge and advancement. After Peter retired, he embarked on a second career as a teacher, where he could share his passion for learning and inspire a new generation of life-long learners.

Peter also found great joy in the gifts of human creativity and expression. Music, theater, books, and humor all brought him happiness, and he embraced every opportunity to experience them. A skilled musician himself, Peter could pick up and play almost any instrument, yet he listened to others—professionals and amateurs alike, and especially students—with genuine admiration and delight, always in awe of their talent.

More important than what Peter loved was who he loved. His devotion to his family was unwavering, and he cared for them with deep affection and presence. But his love extended far beyond his immediate family. Peter believed deeply in caring for those around him—helping when he could, looking out for those in need, and giving of himself freely in whatever way was needed. That spirit of generosity defined him. Above all, Peter Conigliaro was a giver. Every life he touched was better for it.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Faith Community, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, WI, on May 23 at 11:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery.