Deceased June 22, 2018
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In Memory
Closing that sad week, Pete passed away June 22, the third of our classmates to depart in a period of just 10 days. At age 93, he died in Media, Pa., where he spent much of his life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Helga; four daughters (he should have met Lee Redfield ’49 with his four sons); eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
He went to Woodberry Forest School in Virginia and then to Amherst, where he was a Deke, earned his letter on the wrestling team and then graduated from Harvard law school.
Pete began his legal career in the insurance industry, then advocated tirelessly—pro bono—for environmental causes, focusing on the protection of regional water resources. Understandably, he was an avid outdoorsman and was devoted to the education of his daughters.
As you may know, he was also a gifted writer and poet whose commentary for our 50th reunion book was a lengthy and highly literate poetic dissertation, making full use of his fine education. Additionally, he was our “unofficial class soothsayer”—self-proclaimed in a former class note.
There was a Celebration of His Life Service July 6 at the Reformation Lutheran Church in Media. He was a witty and bright man who devoted so much of his talent to a most worthy cause. There are never enough of these people for our complicated and troubled times.
Proud to say the ’49-ers had their share of citizens seeking to improve the planet.
Gerry Reilly ’49