Peter "Pete" George Townsend

Peter (Pete) George Townsend, age 51, passed away unexpectedly on May 3, 2021. Our comfort and strength are knowing that he has no more suffering and pain, that he is in heaven with his heavenly father, and that he is reunited with his father George. We imagine the fishing is good in heaven and that father and son are taking advantage of that.

Pete was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. Pete was born to Julie and George Townsend on February 1, 1970 in Staten Island, New York. He and his family moved to Libertyville, IL in 1976. Pete was a Mama's boy; their bond was incredibly special. Pete and his big sister, Janet, were very close and cherished when they could spend time together. Pete and his Dad loved to fish, which was a lifelong enjoyment for Pete. His Dad was who Pete could talk to and losing him was difficult. It brings great peace to know that they are together again.

Pete met his best friend PJ at age 6. Together their adventures were legendary. They were rascals who grew up to be amazing men. They remained lifelong friends. They were best men in each other's weddings. Pete was honored to be asked to be PJ's son’s, Joe's, Godfather.

Pete met the love of his life, Melissa (Missy), in 1995, and were married on July 23, 2004. Pete and Missy settled in Fox Lake, IL and loved living on the Chain of Lakes. They loved living on the lake. In the summer they would sit and watch the sunset together as they talked about their days. Pete made Missy laugh and it was a joy to listen to them talk and engage one another. They both were devoted to each other and to their family and friends. They shared a love for music and the outdoors. They kayaked, loved the wave runner, and most recently had a lot of fun playing ping pong outside. They enjoyed working on things around the house and never stopped planning for what they wanted to do next. Just being at home together, regardless of what they were doing, made them happy.

Pete will always be remembered for the love and generosity he showed his family and friends. He was incredibly hard working. He was a talented carpenter and floorer. His wit and humor were unmatched. Pete loved cheering on the White Sox and the Yankees but, like most Chicagoans, had pretty much given up on the Bears. Pete loved his family and friends and would drop everything to lend a helping hand.

Pete loved time fishing with his Godson Joe and his great-nephew Jameson. He loved being an uncle. He and Missy always went out of their way to make it special for their nieces and nephews. Most importantly, Pete was loved by God and is now home with his Savior.

Pete is survived by his beautiful wife, Missy; his mother, Julie Townsend; his sister, Janet (Paige) Mcconkey; his in-laws, Glenn & Sandra Larson; sister-in-law, Kim (Tim) Gonzalez; nieces, and nephews: Amanda (Brent Fetting), Jakob and Jacoby Mcconkey, Rachel Murphy, Riley Sorsa; great-nephew, Jameson Codamon; his uncle, Kaare; aunt, Pat; cousin, Kaia (Avery Daily) Lay Rafoss and their children; his best friend, PJ (Jackie) Kelly and their children Toni and Godson Joe; and numerous close friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Pete's life will be held on Saturday, May 15, at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals and Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd., Fox Lake. Visitation will be from 12-3:30pm followed by the funeral service at 3:30pm. To virtually attend Saturday's funeral, please click here, or below on the live-stream link. The funeral will be streamed live beginning at 3:25 p.m. CST.

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