It’s been 2 yrs since I lost my friend Pete. I still can’t believe he’s gone. When I think of him, I see that impish grin that we all knew, the one that usually meant some funny or witty remark was forthcoming. Pete and I would frequently enjoy an adult beverage with friends, and discuss work, hobbies, and politics. I sure miss that. He had a story for everything, and a great outlook on life. Pete, I’ll tip a cold one for you! Cheers!

Happy Birthday little Pete!

I’ve known Pete since he became friends with my brother, I think in Junior high. He was one of my brother’s truest friends, and he was like a brother to me. He was literally one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. I cannot remember a single time when he wasn’t positive. I can remember his smile. I can remember his laugh. I remember in high school when he and Eric were always tooling around with Mr. McCurdy. As adults, for several years we used to meet at Durbin’s on Christmas Eve, it had been awhile though. Pete, I love you and you will always be in my heart. I hope you’re working on cars up there with Arlo sometimes. He always loved you as well ❤️

Where to begin? Technically Pete and I met before I remember meeting Pete. We had been dating awhile and I was reminiscing about one epic night out and he said, yeah, I was there... I recall Adam showing up with a buddy (that was Pete) but I was on my way home... Pete and I hit it off instantly. It was the dimples and the Brazas charm (his words, not mine!) In the four years we were together, we made a lot of memories... The first two years we swapped weekends in Chicago and St. Joseph, MI. We had a big circle of friends we enjoyed spending time with and most importantly, we enjoyed time with our families. To know Pete was to love Pete. He was instantly adored by my family and friends. I introduced him to Alabama football and football games were a fall ritual. His first Bama game was at Jerry World in Dallas (Cowboys Stadium) where Bama beat Michigan. We went on to travel to games in Tuscaloosa, and two national championships... one was the epic beating of Notre Dame in Miami. I traveled for work and Pete was able to join me in places like Vegas, Boston, Orlando. He joined me for my 20 year high school reunion and I took him out to where I grew up. Being the city boy he was, he had a slightly panicked look and asked did I have a shovel in the trunk? (I grew up wayyyyy out in the woods/swamps of Florida....) He talked me into going to the Michigan UP for vacation one year and I loved it so much, we went again the following year. And we camped in a tent. Pete had a heart of gold. He was there for me when I had major surgery, held my hand when my Papa died, and had the great idea to get my Mom a car. But in classic Pete fashion, we were set to drive the car to my mom (in Georgia) for Thanksgiving. He had left work outside of Indiana and was heading to Chicago to pick me up when I got a phone call... the engine had blown. So instead I got a co-worker to drive me to him and we rode back to Michigan in a tow truck. He only owned 4 cars while we were together... the burnt orange car, the Cutless, the Ford long bed pick up, and the silver car (I'm terrible with cars). I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and he cussed Chrysler every single day... so very ironic he ended up buying one later. When I was moving back to Chicago and had decided to sell my Jeep, Pete insisted doing some work on it to make it more "sellable." He handled the entire transaction and was ever so impressed I got full asking price for it. That's the kind of guy Pete was, he took the time to tinker with the Jeep and sell it for me, even after we broke up. (and that was his insistence, not an ask of me...)  We didn't fight... except one night... our big fight? Music. It was a weekend in Chicago and we were out and about. I wanted to go to Sluggers - a party piano bar in Wrigleyville. First all, Pete was a southsider through and through and I know it pained him I lived 5 blocks from Wrigley Field. So Pete already had a bias against anything to do with Wrigleyville. And Sluggers is a party place, not a place for good music. I just happen to like to occasionally belt out fun songs while enjoying an adult beverage. He was so appalled that I could even like a place like that... and I was mad at him for being onry about it! The other time he was really mad at me was my choice of songs in putting together a playlist for a party we were hosting. I have eclectic taste in music, of which some Pete deemed "crap". He took his music seriously. :) Otherwise, we enjoyed the same music. He had the biggest CD collection of anyone I knew, and I was able to download any that I didn't already have. And for the record, he was able to download from me some good tunes he didn't have. Just a few, but it counts! Everyone talks about his love of music and love of cars. But did you know we couldn't go to a store without him looking at Hot Wheels?!? He would scour the Hot Wheels at Meyer, Wal-Mart, etc. no matter where and add to his collection! Pete was a big part of my life and will always have a place in my heart. Although we went our separate ways, we kept in touch. The past year not as much. I am sad I didn't think to text him to let him know I got an XT6 because not even 18 months ago, he was telling me about that they would be coming out and they were a better platform. Like everyone else, I could tell Pete stories for days. There was always a story, always an adventure. I am thankful for the time we had, the memories we made, and the fondness I have of Pete. Fly high, bro. You are missed. 

I first met Pete at GMI move in weekend when we were getting our son Jim moved up there. The 2 boys formed an immediate bond over the love of cars, albeit we were a Ford family & Pete was a Chevy man. I think the thing I noticed first was his smile & sense of humor. Over the 4 years of college & work there were numerous "Pete-isms" re: cars, mostly GM brands. 
When Pete came to work in Bridgman @ Dane Systems he lived with Jim just a mile down the road. Oh the fun! We dicovered what a great cook Pete was & how funny he was. When Jim bought a Chevy to race I think Pete felt like he'd converted us! He was always quick to give advise on repairs which were usually a cobbled up version of the legal way. The ultimate car experience for me was Pete & Jim's adventure of Jim buying Grandpa Brazas' 1981 big diesel Buick...it was a B body lover's dream. Off we went one weekend to get the car. Of course Pete knew shortcuts thru expressways, neighborhoods & alleys - yikes! We got the transaction done & left for home after visiting with the family. I casually mentioned they had no plate on the car. Pete explained that they didn't need plates because Jim Sr & I would be running close behind them so no one (ie: police) could tell their was no plate. Right....the 2 of them took off like a shot with us trying to keep them in sight. About 5 miles in a state cop flew by us & I told Sr he was going to pick up the boys, of course I was a nervous mom. Well we keep working up to see the officer pull up behind the Big Buick! He followed the a few miles & pulled off. While all 3 guys thought it was hilarious, I was about having a stroke!
Pete was a special person, always polite, always friendly. We loved knowing him & still can't believe he's gone.
Our most sincere sympathy to Connie and family. May God give you peace, & comfort. 

From past neighbor Bob Aitchison:
Connie, my heart is breaking for you right now. I'm so sorry to hear the sad news about Peter. We will always have fond memories of Peter. He was such a great kid! He was a little brother to all of us that lived on Leamington. God Bless You Pete! You will always be in our prayers.
Sincerely, Bob Aitchison

From past neighbor Krissy Stock:
Connie,
My prayers are with you and your family. My memories of Pete are so wonderful and I love all of you very much.
Love,
Kristina (Kris/Krissy Stock) from a few homes down Leamington St, now in Raleigh, NC

I've known Pete a pretty long time. I'll always remember the first time I officially met him. It was about 15-20 years ago. I was out with friends and we came back to one of my buddie's house, his older brother was having a party. It was in Pete's neighborhood. I saw him sitting talking to friends and instantly recognized him but he didn't recognize me. Now, David and Lindsey had been dating for a while and I would see him periodically but it was always a quick hi. We'd been at the party for a little bit but I hesitated to go up to him because I didn't think he'd recognize me and he had been talking to friends and I didn't want to interrupt. I asked my friend if he knew if that was Peter Brazas because my brother was dating his sister. He interrupted everybody and asked Pete, " you're Pete, right? Your sister's Lindsey Brazas?". Now immediately right before this, there had been a joint being passed around and Peter had just taken a hit. As Peter responded Yes to both questions. My friend then informed him that I was David's brother. His face turned pale white and he had the look of "oh shit, I'm busted". I told him I was ok with it and not to worry. He immediately goes, " can't wait until the wedding". We hit it off instantly! We sat there and talked for a while. We always had a good laugh whenever we'd remember that party. He was always nice and I don't think I ever saw him mad. I'll miss seeing him at family parties and having our good conversations. He will be dearly missed. God bless you, Peter. I know you're up there smiling down on us. Until we meet again, my friend.

Pete was such a nice guy. I didn't know him extremely well but saw him at all of the kids birthday parties. He always had a smile on his face and gave you the best hugs! I remember sitting at the kitchen table at Lindsey's house while pete told the most interesting stories about the different places he has been to . I will really miss seeing him at the family parties. I know he will always be watching over everyone smiling.

I have enjoyed having Pete as a close friend since we started joining the fraternity in the summer of 1997. You could always count on him to make everyone around him have a good time. If we didn't have any ideas for things to do, he would always suggest something that turned into an adventure. He could even tell the stories about it better than most; his emphasis, expressions, and "talking with his hands like a Dago" will not be forgotten. 
But when it was time to be serious, you could always count on Pete for that too. One fun example of this was when some of us went on spring break in Florida together. We got an old conversion van (I think for free) that was sitting in someone's field. Pete figured out what parts needed to be replaced to make the van road ready, and set about procuring and installing them. Also, in true Pete form, he made sure that the stereo system was upgraded with all new stuff to make that van "bump." Well, we got almost to our destination, and smoke billowed out from the hood; we pulled over and piled out of the van, and managed to put out the fire. One of the guys had an uncle nearby, and we had the van towed to his house; the uncle let us fix the van in his garage. Pete took charge: "take that apart", "check that", etc, and identified what could be saved and what needed to be replaced to get the van to take us home. The funny part is that, with all of the engine parts he replaced before the trip, the part that caused the fire was a worn out camshaft that caused fuel/air mix to go back into the intake...funny that beforehand we said "we don't need to replace the camshaft." Well, we rented a minivan and had a blast in Panama City Beach, then returned to finish putting the van back together and drive home. 
There are so many great stories that are great because Pete was there...I will just have to imagine his voice in my head to have them retold the right way.
Nobody can replace one of the best friends and brothers I have had for my adult life...I will miss him and always think of him with a smile. 

I've had the pleasure of working with Pete for some years, and more closely over the past 6 months. His warm demeanor, glowing smile and infections laugh made him a constant pleasure to spend time with. I'll certainly miss the joy he generously spread to those around him. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends. Rest in peace, buddy.

I’ve been friends with Pete since the 7th grade. The news of his passing was surreal. I’ve spent much of the last week replaying some of our best times in my head like they’re movies. Pete was there for many of the best memories of my life; my wedding, bachelor party, great concerts, and plenty of nights hanging out while he and Adam worked on one of their seemingly endless string of cars they’ve owned.

There aren’t enough adjectives to describe how good of a person Pete was. I think back to our spring break trip to Daytona. Pete, Joe and I came across an abandoned purse at a bus stop. The purse happened to have $1,000 in it. My initial reaction was wow, we are going to party like rock stars tonight. Pete knew better, he knew we had to get that money back to that woman. We did the right thing and had a better trip for it.

We were supposed to hang out while I was back in town for Xmas this year. Unfortunately it didn’t happen. I’ll always be sad that we didn’t have that one more chance to hang out. But I’ll always be glad that I had a friend as special as Pete in my life.

Connie, Lindsey and family please accept our condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I wanted to thank Lindsey for creating this fabulous page so we can all share photos and memories about such an amazing guy. Chris and I were recently going through photos and we were laughing and reminiscing about all the fantastic times with had with Pete. There were so many so here are just a few memories I have to share today, he was such a fun person to be around, he always made a bad day a good one. He had the best sense of humour there really was never a dull moment when he was around. We realized that over the 9-10 years we lived in Michigan we did so many things with Pete. Our first meet was at another fellow Canadians house and the conversation of perogies and sausages were happening and how much we enjoyed eating them, Pete was so excited we knew what perogies were he knew we’d all be buddies! He was always happy when I made a fresh batch of perogies we had him over for dinner a few times for those. We went to many Sox games, our very first NHL game of Leafs vs Black hawks, and boy that was one heck of a night, Chris are you sure you want to do more shots of jack with Pete? Lol. We took numerous trips to Chicago with Pete, and he introduced us to so many people, we will always be grateful for knowing each one of them. He brought us to so many restaurants and gave us a good taste of Chicago food and venues. The only place that’s did not sit well with us was Rico benes for a steak sandwich, we were shocked he recommended that when he brought us to so many great places lol. Pete took us to Chicago for a tragically hip concert for my birthday, he grew a huge liking to the Canadian band, and even bought a few cds to enjoy in his many vehicles he owned. He was always up for a bon fire night at the Morgan’s and our group always enjoyed fondue parties in our garage. We got our first taste of Milwaukee summer fest with Pete and his friends and we really did have a great time! He was always up for an adventure. In 2013 Chris and I made the decision to move back to Canada, as much as we loved all the friends we met there equally we really wanted to take Pete with us, we told him we were going find him a Canadian to marry so he could move near us. Pete came to Canada to visit us a quite a few times, the last visit was 2 years ago, he came camping with us, he was so relaxed and loved just being in the fresh air fishing, having a beer at the fire and just chatting with us. He told us he really understood why we left Michigan now, that made us smile. We were glad we could show him a huge part of our life, being in the outdoors and doing all the things we loved. We asked him to be the godfather to Our son Brodin, because Pete was like a brother to us, he was part of our family, he was and will always be our best friend. We will miss him dearly, and we will Always hold all our memories of him close to our hearts. We will always make sure Brodin knows all about his Godfather and what kind of guy he was! So thanks Pete for all the good times! May you Rest In Peace Buddy ❤️

So, the first thing I want to say about Pete is that he is a great guy... Actually, Pete would be the first person to yell at me for saying that. I vividly remember our time at the fraternity house - and Pete enthusiastically explaining to me that there is always something more, something deeper. Just saying that someone is a great guy is not enough. 

So here goes. Pete was a passionate (specifically when belittling my Ford), humorous (also when belittling my Ford - and in most other contexts as well), caring (Coordinating our travel to Iowa for a funeral), and mostly fun loving (countless memories at the fraternity house and also when he took me out to his local bars around Chicago for my 21st birthday).

We had a lot of great times together and a lot of good memories. Unfortunately, I had not seen Pete for probably around 15 years. Even though it has been so long, much like many of the others here, I can say Pete had a truly positive impact on my life and he is, and will be missed.

My heart goes out to Pete’s family and friends during this difficult time. When I think of Pete, the first thing that comes to mind is his dimpled big smile and his laugh. His laugh was infectious, I can still hear it in my mind. I first met Pete going to Durbin’s for dollar pint nights on Monday’s. I looked forward to hanging out with the guys that night. It was just a good laid back time of sharing stories and laughing together. We used to hang out a lot in our 20’s. I remember our times at Durbins, delta,Sox games and St Patrick’s day shenanigans and hanging out in Dave’s garage and more. When my boyfriend now husband first met Pete, it was at a Sox game. My husband picked up and twirled Pete around which made him giggle and got all of us laughing. Unfortunately, Time and distance got away from us. Last time I saw him was Dave’s 4th of July garage party. If I knew that would be the last time, I would of hugged Him much tighter and much longer. Goodbye my friend

Pete was an old neighborhood friend from when I was a child. We rode bikes together and always hung out together at the local bike shop. I was there when he fell off his bike and had to be taken to the hospital. I remember being taken to his house by the police and afraid to explain to his parents why were 5 miles from home..... being only 12 years old! He was quite the adventurous dude. We rode bikes all over the southside of chicago together. He was a great friend as a child and I’m sorry we lost touch after the 8th grade. He was also one of the most intelligent kids I’ve ever met. I swear he could build a car from scratch while blindfolded. RIP Pete. Thank you for the great memories. You made my childhood that much better by being a good friend!

To say I've talked to Pete in less than 20 years would be a lie, it's been more. We went to grammar and high school together. However, what a kind guy he was and so smart, you know. He always knew something no one else did but never made you feel small or stupid. I don't think I have one negative memory from school about him. May his family heal and know he had an impact on people he hadn't seen in decades, that lasted decades!!

Pete was a mentor to me at work for the past two years. He obviously had strong technical ability, a quick grasp on problems, unique solutions & suggestions for resolving those problems.
He almost always had so many amusing & hilarious anecdotes to share from his travels, college days and past work experiences.
I will fondly remember Pete for his brilliant sense of humor, strong engineering acumen and the team spirit he instilled among our young group at work. Pete, you will be dearly missed !
My sincere condolences to Pete's family and friends.

First, thank you Lindsey for setting this up and I'm so very sorry to you and your family for your loss. And thanks to all that have posted tributes, it's special to get to know about the Pete that his family and friends knew. I was also in the fraternity with Pete, and just like Brian above, his story is also my most memorable - that of Pete driving his Jeep door across the lawn - in fact you'd probably find that memory indelibly inked in the memories of everyone that was there because he was just so incredibly funny. I was a few years older than Pete so we don't always get to know the underclassmen as much, but you couldn't help but know and love him - he was a friend to all. I believe he also started the never-ending inside joke "You can't handle the Banana-jam" relating to a local radio station, or if he didn't then he at least recited the line the best out of all of us. I'll miss you brother.

Pete was a beloved member of our work family, a mentor to me and so many others, and above all a dear friend. We both started working at Schaeffler a few months apart and, unluckily for him, had the pleasure of sitting next to each other for quite some time. I'll always cherish the hours he'd spend driving everyone around us nuts with whatever next "genius idea" of his came to mind (usually exceptionally witty, hilarious, and completely irrational), chastising me for all the music references I didn't understand, and the one time in Germany we stumbled upon a vending machine full of Jagermeister.. and promised ourselves neither of us were leaving until that machine was empty (we succeeded, although we had to go back the next morning to confirm).

We are all so blessed to have experienced Pete's unrivaled ability to find humor in literally any situation. Although our countless happy hours have now been cut way too short, I hope a small piece of Pete's laughter lives on in all of us.

Cheers, Pete - you will be deeply missed.

See my note in "Stories" regarding music. 

Pete was such a bubbly guy always had a smile on his face! He will be missed by his Schaeffler family !Gone way to soon!! My Deepest condolence to his family and friends!

I first met Pete about six years ago, through work. We quickly found we had mutual interests in old cars and vintage stereo equipment, and this was the beginning of a wonderful, but far too short, friendship. In addition to our many treks to car shows and swap meets, we enjoyed gathering with mutual friends to share some adult beverages and discuss our latest Craigslist finds. Pete’s sharp wit, and great sense of humor, were enjoyed by all that knew him. I will especially remember that special Pete grin!
 
Although our time together was brief, I consider myself blessed to have known such a fine person and am proud to call him my friend. So very sad he left us at such a young age.

From: Joe Diliberto
Pete and I met during high school through friends. We attended different schools, and I was not making many new friends where I was. He had a Weezer cap on at Dukes, loved fast cars, wore a huge smile, and adored great music. Needless to say... we were fast friends. Sure...we argued...but too rare to mention. And it was usually over which car was cooler...lol! He was so helpful and even by age 16 a very hard worker. His mom, dad, sister and dog were also great to me...I always loved seeing them. We went to concerts together, experienced new great cuisine, and threw fun parties. I even designed a shirt for his frat house, went to Flint to see him, and even went to Canada with him. His timing was impeccable... like a great comic..and I often said he'd make a great musician.  The guy really helped teach me how to laugh! We'd keep my parents up to the wee hours laughing our butts off at funny movies. But they loved having him over. I still use many Pete-isms, in fact...thankfully. I regretfully saw him less in recent years..it happens. I knew it would when he left Chicago, and begged him to stay. But he had great future plans...owning fast cars, buying a nice house, getting a top education, traveling, and earning a perfect job. He achieved all those things very young. Our last hangs were when we went drinking with his dad, then his dad's wake, sadly. But we managed to squeeze in a day of music enjoyment and dinner. For ALL of these things I am so grateful. God picks the most beautiful flowers for his garden...

Pete was always there to help out with anything we needed. I will miss the countless brunches and funny and/or insightful conversations shared.

Thanks for watching my dog, visiting me in the hospital, and countless happy moments as my friend. I may not have known you as long as others, but your presence impacted my perspective on the world. Thank you so much for everything.

Pete had an infectious laugh. That’s the one thing I noticed about him when I first interviewed at Schaeffler, and he was obviously a brilliant man. Every meeting always included laughter, which I believe opens the mind to limitless ability. He was one of the best people I ever have had the opportunity to work with. He will be sorely missed.

I'm a college fraternity brother of Pete's. We could always count on Pete to keep the mood light in any possible situation. My fondest and funniest memory of Pete is during a backyard cookout at the fraternity house in Flint. Another brother was working on a Jeep and had the doors off. Pete picked one up and carried it around the parking lot waving out the window and bopping his head to imaginary music. It was just about the funniest thing I have ever seen and I'll remember it always. RIP, Peter.

One of my favorite memories with Peter were the family parties but mostly going to his house for Lindsey’s or his birthday. Adults would be upstairs and the kids would take over the basement but the thing that was cool about their basement was that Peter had this awesome race track that he put together. It probably took up two long tables and perfectly put together. Peter was always kind and patient to let his girl cousins (and there were a ton of us) race the cars. We would be down there all night!

Miss you cuz!

I will miss the laughter Pete brought me throughout the years. While we could talk about cars for hours on end, our time during college in the bowels of Flint, or what random radio he found on craigslist... I will always miss the fact that he understood my sense of humor... we could trade jokes for hours on end both laughing to tears. It was too soon and I will always miss my dear friend.

Little Pete was my first friend in the world. Connie is my Godmother and Big Pete was my Godfather, and the dearest friends of my parents. Born only 6 months apart, we spent days and days together until we got old enough for school and then it was weekends and holidays.
It's hard to focus on a single memory when there is a lifetime to choose from, but what stands out to me is how easy it was to talk to him. We'd spend hours talking about every subject we could think of. He seemed to always know enough to include people and make them feel comfortable, which was to my benefit since my big mouth usually did the opposite. Pete loved to laugh and could be moved to a giggle fit rather easy, even in serious surroundings. He was a gentleman who never said a bad thing about anybody, and always worked to include me in whatever he had going on.

I suppose the best story I have about Peter right now is the story of my car. In 2003 I bought a Sebring convertible and the car tags for it. Three years later we were sitting outside in the garage of the 7811 Leamington house and he was working on an engine and I mentioned that in a convertible it's hard to see the floor since there's no overhead light in a ragtop and only the rear view mirror offers a dim, sad light. He went out to my car to see if he could come up with a suggestion and saw that my car tags were still from 2003. I told him it had been so long I was kinda wondering how long I could go without bringing my tags current.

I don't know why he found it so funny, but soon we were sitting on the curb in front of the house, gasping for air as we just cracked up over my nonchalance and his worry. He said he would figure out how to keep me from killing myself digging around in the dark if I promised to get car tags. I did, months later and for my birthday he got me a full set of interior under mounted lights that he installed. The lights were aqua, my favorite color. Once they were in, we went for a ride so he could make sure everything worked and I was so happy I confessed it made me want to have a valid license again... because mine expired around the time my tags expired and I never renewed it. His eyes went as big as saucers and he calmly said, "I should have known." Though he surely wanted to, he didn't strangle me, probably because I was driving and that would have been unsafe. Every year, at Christmas, from then on, he'd check my tags and ask for my license.

I have a million more stories (along with a valid DL and tags) and I'll add them as I can. It's just that right now it's kinda hard.

My cousin will be truly missed. He was such a kind, sweet, thoughtful person. We shared common interest in awesome cars! Only he loved Chevys and we love Fords (Mustangs) lol. When we would have parties back at our Oak Forest home, I would remember how Peter could name every car, make, and year on our block. I was so impressed! He will be missed by many....he should not have been taking so soon. Love you Peter.