Peter D. Mancuso

Peter D. Mancuso peacefully left his home in the arms of his wife, the love of his life, Friday night, August 23, 2024. 

He was born and raised in Milwaukee.  After earning his university degree, Peter began his career in Green Bay in 1962 as a teacher and coach. His career shifted to business, which led to a lifetime of work and joy. Peter was a lifelong learner and teacher, and an incredibly well-read man. He was a careful study of people, and he actively and consistently engaged with those who were open to his help and guidance. 
 
Learning from mentors at IBM and Paper Converting Machine Company, he partnered with John Van in 1977 to purchase Lindquist Machine, a small machine shop in Green Bay. Peter led LMC for nearly four decades, driving its growth and development as it became a recognized world-class machine builder. He embraced the challenges in business and used his skills as a leader, mentor, networker and deep, strategic thinker to positively impact the outcomes. Peter sold the business to Mark Kaiser in 2011, remaining Chairman until his passing.  

In 1978, Peter became a member of The Executive Committee in Milwaukee. For decades, he shared his leadership, experience and business acumen with numerous business owners and executives. Peter was also very generous of his time and helped promote TEC throughout the US and abroad.  

Always trying to learn and coach, Peter served on numerous company boards including BMO Bank and the Boys & Girls Club in Green Bay and Kelley Company, CG Schmidt Corporation, and Lakeside Manufacturing in Milwaukee. Elected in 1999 as board Chairman of Sandusky International, a worldwide manufacturer, he led a successful turnaround, ultimately selling the business in 2010. Peter was the only non-family board Chairman on Sandusky. 

He was also one of the original board members of PMI Entertainment Group. Peter served as Chairman for 30 years as it became nationally-recognized as a preferred entertainment venue. PMI purchased the Green Bay Gamblers hockey team which has won several USHL league championships with numerous players earning scholarships to colleges throughout the country. Many NHL and college coaches, players, and scouts began their professional careers with the Gamblers. Additionally, Peter’s leadership was critical in achieving the building of both the Resch Center and Resch Expo. These two buildings dramatically changed the opportunities for events, shows, and expositions in Green Bay. Peter was committed to using the venues to help improve the quality of life for residents of Northeast Wisconsin. 

His long list of business accomplishments does not capture how and why he impacted so many people professionally and personally. Peter treated everyone with respect, no matter what role they played in life. He was never one to look for or expect the credit for successful ventures he was involved in; he preferred to remain unnoticed and in the background. Peter's influence spread through people far beyond the list of organizations he led as CEO, Director, or Chairman. Many of the organizations he was involved in faced strategic challenges, even threatening their survival. Peter never hid from problems or avoided the hard conversation; rather, he moved towards them in a manner that removed fear, opened communication, instilled confidence, and fostered teamwork.  

He loved to mentor young entrepreneurs to help create and execute their business plans and was ecstatic when they reached their goals. Peter's investment of himself in people will resound through many generations.

Peter and his wife Deb routinely donated both time and resources to individuals and families in their time of need. He also cared deeply about, respected and honored all those who served our country at every level. 

Although he and Deb enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the world, their favorite place was on their sailboat Diomira sailing the beautiful waters of the Great Lakes. Peter loved life, his wife, family and friends, his dogs, sports, music, working out, and being home. He thanked God daily for the blessings bestowed upon him. Through a lifetime of hard work and taking risks, he achieved more than he ever dreamed of from his humble beginnings. 

Peter left indelible footprints throughout his life’s journey. He was a man of high character, integrity, and empathy, along with his great sense of humor, quick wit and fiercely strong independent spirit. He was generous of heart, humble, and kind.  Peter’s soul will be carried forward by the beautiful influence he was on those lives he touched. He will not allow us to be alone in our heartbreak, but will travel with all of us as we walk the path of his memories. 

Peter is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Deb; three children, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; two siblings, nieces and nephews (and their families); other relatives, many dear friends and colleagues.  "We were all blessed to have him in our lives. The world will never be the same without him in it!"

A private service will be held at a later date. 

To honor Peter's memory, please consider a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay OR Sturgeon Bay (www.bgcblr.org); the Mayo Clinic Education Foundation (Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905; www.philanthropy.mayoclinic.org, Choose: "Make This Donation A Tribute" and enter "Peter Mancuso"); or The Women’s Center (505 North East Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186; www.twcwaukesha.org).  

“There is an old belief
That on some distant shore,
Beyond the sphere of grief,
Dear friends shall meet once more.”
-Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry

Arrangements have been entrusted with Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Peter may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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