Charismatic, lovable, humorous, a leader
Peter was a natural leader. He treated everyone he met with dignity and respect, and at the same time relentlessly walked to the beat of his own drum. Peter was a friend to all with a personality that easily cut across social groups: friends would marvel, “Pete always makes the right move.” He never belittled people for their shortcomings and with a quick wit, would sometimes weave a subtle, yet kind, word of advice or encouragement upon the unsuspecting wayward friend or traveler.
Peter’s brother Alex always looked up to him when they were children and as adults. They enjoyed playing and watching hockey together and shared fond memories from their summers on Cape Cod.
Peter was a great big brother. He always included his younger brother, whose way was paved with people’s respect for Pete. “That’s Pete Blumenfeld’s brother,” was a phrase that opened the doors for Alex. After a mutual friend of Pete’s and Alex bought a new house, he woke up to banging on the roof. Pete noticed it needed some repairs. He arrived unannounced, fixed the roof, and did not accept any money. Peter said, “Rains coming” and nothing more. He was a devoted and loyal friend.
Spontaneity was a part of the spice of Peter’s life; he exuded an adventuresome spirit with a great subtle humor. Most people check the weather before an impromptu camping trip, but for Pete, it was more about the company. Peter enjoyed trying new things, such as mountain biking or kayaking. He was comfortable going on adventures along, or bringing a friend along for a new experience.
A dear friend, Delores Daly, shared that Pete was a gentle soul who read Shakespeare for pleasure. She remembered his interest in the Blues. He loved music and spent hours making mixed tapes (she still has the ones he made for her.) When they backpacked around Europe after graduation, he loved meeting people and experiencing new cultures.
No tribute to Peter Blumenfeld would be complete without also mentioning Catherine Talbot, Pete Buhler, Gadgets, MacGyver, and Jim Rockford. Peter may not have cared about getting parking tickets like most people (note from his mom, “Peter pay your parking tickets!”) but he cared about his friends and family deeply. It’s never easy to see a disease like addiction take a man or woman of great charisma, love, and a thirst for life. Delores, Catherine, and Pete were dear confidants, loyal friends, and are kind caretakers of Peter’s memory. The “Commander” lives on through them and countless others. It’s a big personality that can pull out a gadget on demand to “MacGyver” a solution to a unique problem, cite an appropriate Angel quote from the Rockford Files, and leave a friend or family member feeling cherished without effort. Peter was a great brother, son, friend, uncle, and citizen.
“Peter you will always be loved and missed by us all.”
Pete’s brother Alex, sister-in-law Heather, and many dear friends provided information for this narrative.
June 19, 1966-November 17, 2004-Age 38
Portrait Artist: Elizabeth Jones
Narrative Writer: Lynn McKnight
