Peter Christopher Berdinka Of Montague, Michigan, And Formerly Of Westhampton, Dies May 28

Peter Christopher Berdinka of Montague, Michigan, and formerly of Westhampton, died on May 28 at home. He was 64.

Mr. Berdinka was born May 27, 1957 in Riverhead to Frank and Joan Berdinka, and was one of seven children.

Growing up in Westhampton, he attended local schools. Upon high school graduation, he served in the United States Marine Corp, being stationed at Camp Lejeune, Okinawa, and Germany.

While serving in the military, he met Kelley Emerson. They married and settled in Montague, Michigan. Together they raised two children, Noah Christopher and Angelique Jean (Angie).

Mr. Berdinka was employed by Consumer’s Energy B.C. Cobb power plant until his retirement in 2012.

Upon retiring, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of sailing around the world on the Picton Castle, a three-masted sail training ship based in Nova Scotia, serving as a trainee crew member and deckhand.

“Sail on, sailor,” his family said.

Mr. Berdinka was predeceased by his parents, his wife Kelley, his son Noah, his brother Martin, and his sisters Rita and Paula. He is survived by his daughter Angie of Montague; sisters Maria (James) Raffel of Cutchogue and Sue (David) Elliston of Brookhaven; his brother Michael (Susan) of Aquebogue; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

A graveside service with military honors will be conducted on Saturday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Montague. A memorial Mass at Immaculate Conception Church on Quiogue is planned for a later date.