PETER S. VONDERHORST

Peter Scott Vonderhorst left us peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, surrounded by his family — just one day shy of his 69th birthday. Always someone who liked a good fight, he lost this last battle to cancer. Born on February 26, 1957, Pete spent most of his life in Northern New Jersey. He was a 1975 graduate of West Milford High School in NJ and he worked a variety of jobs – mostly in construction – throughout his life. He found real satisfaction working with his hands doing carpentry work and repairing things, and even built his own house. Pete found joy in the outdoors and appreciated life’s uncomplicated pleasures. He loved music, playing guitar and attending open mic nights, playing his favorite music from the 60’s and 70’s. All who knew him could appreciate his quick wit and dry sense of humor, which were always close at hand. Resourceful and clever, Pete had a way of figuring things out and often surprised those around him with his creativity. If something was broken Pete could usually fix it — and if all else failed, a well-placed strip of duct tape was, in his mind, a perfectly acceptable long-term solution. Truly one of a kind, Pete leaves behind stories and memories that will always make his family smile. He marched to the beat of his own drum and embraced life in his own unmistakable way. Though he spent much of his life living independently, he loved his family deeply and cherished the time they shared. Those bonds meant more to him than he was ever able to put into words. Pete was called home too soon. ¬“May you stay forever young.” —Bob Dylan. Peter is survived by his mother Mary (Vonderhorst) Bell of Fairfield Glade, TN; his brother Will and his wife Erin of Warwick, NY; his sister Lori and her husband Carl Tosten of Tacoma, WA; his sister Charlotte and her husband Steve Ewasko of Oak Ridge, NJ; sister Jennifer and her husband Patrick Clune of Homer, NY; step-brother Dean Bell and his wife Hilda of Federal Way, WA; step-sister Deanna Bell and step-brother John Bell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Peter C. Vonderhorst. A private Celebration of Life with his immediate family will be held later this year. On line condolences: www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com.

PETER S. VONDERHORST

February 26, 1957 - February 25, 2026