Peter, a longtime journalist, newsroom innovator, and global citizen, died after a lengthy illness Dec. 25, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

Peter graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va., and roomed at Princeton with EHS classmate Bill Lane. He majored in art and architecture and wrote his senior thesis on American classic cars. During freshman year Peter joined the fencing team, where he immediately excelled and later earned an invitation to the Pan American Games.

Peter loved journalism. He joined The Daily Princetonian sophomore year and became editorial editor. After graduation he was a newspaper reporter in Virginia and Georgia, and later in Washington, DC.,. where he served as managing editor for several news services.

As vice president for new ventures at The Charlotte Observer, Peter launched more than a dozen niche specialty magazines. A visionary and early adopter of interactive data and internet technologies, he ultimately focused on individualized news tailored to each reader. 

In retirement Peter and his wife, Jan Jones Vandevanter, wrote Home Exchange: Getting to Know People Around the World. This book provides practical tips based on their extensive international travel and vision of the global village.

In 2019 Peter was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disease. Throughout his affliction, he courageously maintained his unique voice, his joy in his family, his empathy for others, and his faith.

The Class of 1973 sends its condolences to Jan, son Willis, daughter Ruth, the rest of family, and his many friends.

Class Year: 
Undergraduate Class of 1973