Pete, a skilled lawyer and exemplary fundraiser, died of cancer Jan. 13, 2014.
A lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, Pete graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1966. After working four years with U.S. Steel, he focused on environmental issues, joining the law firm of Thorp, Reed & Armstrong in 1970. He rose to managing partner, opened the firm’s Washington office, and for more than 10 years was listed in The Best Lawyers in America.
Devotion to Pittsburgh was evident in his work for organizations such as St. Edmund’s Academy, the Visiting Nurses Association, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Museum of Art. He was named 2005’s Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western Pennsylvania Chapter.
At Princeton, Pete majored in English, ate at Colonial, rowed freshmen lightweight crew, and was known to classmates as a gentleman’s gentleman — a term that stuck with him to the end. More recently he became an accomplished watercolorist and developed an extensive collection of toy soldiers complemented by impressive knowledge of military history.
The class shares its sorrow with Sybil, Pete’s wife of 48 years; daughters Sybil Wilson and Hillary Dietz; a son, Gerrit; brother James Jr.; and seven grandchildren.