Peter Wilson – Auckland, New Zealand and Delran NJ 12/7/48 to 4/12/14
A committed family man, his wife and children always came first. Grilling up some lamb chops or having dinner in front of the fireplace was Pete’s formula for happiness. His name was symbolic of the rock he was for his family. A true, old fashioned gentleman. He was a genuine man of integrity. Known for his good nature, his “G’day Mate” won people over quickly. He was always visible on the sidelines of his sons’ sporting events, you may have heard his distinctive voice announce for the Riverdel Swim Team.
Growing up in Auckland, Pete was a natural sailor and outdoorsman. He owned boats as a child the way kids here own bikes. His passion – along with sailing – was rugby. The ”All Blacks” being his lifelong favorite.
After receiving his degree in Engineering from Auckland University and additional Engineering certificates, his love of people and relationships made him realize he was more suited for sales. That change in careers is what brought him to the US where he would make his new home.
Peter and Kass became best friends while working for the same company in San Diego. Their friendship turned to romance over the 4th of July and they eloped that August. The “whirlwind romance” was still going strong 23 years later.
He followed her back to Delran from California to raise his family and became an avid Philly sports fan without ever losing his passion for his NZ roots. In addition to watching his favorite Philly teams lose, he watched competitive sailing and the All Blacks play rugby whenever possible. He considered himself “Irish by marriage” and adored his Irish in-laws and nieces and nephews.
Peter was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter Kristin. His son Mark (Carla) live happily in Florida and attending their wedding was one of the greatest joys of his life.
Peter is survived by his love and soulmate Kass and their three sons: Kelly Ray, Tristan Thomas and Kieran Christopher.
He also leaves behind his New Zealand family – his brother Kit (Marie) and his NZ nieces and nephews.
Come celebrate Pete’s legacy of life and love on Friday from 11-1 at Sweeney Funeral Home in Riverside. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a Memorial fund for Pete’s boys and ask that donations be made to the Peter Wilson Memorial Family Fund.
12 Comments
Dearest Peter, I loved that we were friends for so many years. We did not see each other that often but I always knew we had a strong bond. I am so thankful that I had lunch with you that day in Washington when I told you that Kass was in love with you. I can still hear your voice saying NAH?? I pat myself on the back often that I was the matchmaker and that your marriage was so successful. I love your accent and your laugh. You loved life and life was good to you. Your four boys are your legacy. I am so sorry that you had to go but I know that you are in God’s hands and free of pain. I love you Peter Wilson and please “save me a place at the table” Until we meet again Rest in Peace dear one. Imo
What a pleasure and honor to have shared some time with you brother. You were always positive, loving and considerate. Full of grace. Thx for making this world a better place. You really were one of the good ones. Kass I know it’s tough right now, all of my love and support to u, your children and family. May u find peace and comfort in the days and weeks that follow.
Much love
Ricky Frank
I meet you back in ’94 @ the Equinox Convention in Las Vegas, what an incredible man you were, thanks for being you, may your family find peace @ this tragic time in their lives and may you RIP Peter.
Peter, you were the kindest person I knew when we worked together you and Kass had that special bond that magic that every one looks for in a soul mate. Kass, words can not express how I feel My prayers and thoughts go to you and your boys.
Peter, you were one of the great ones in the world you will be truly missed by all who knew you or worked with you. My God grant you peace now and free your spirit.
God Bless You Peter.
Dear Kassie and Boys, I realize the distance over the years of my constant movement with Bill not to mention the “age difference” in our relationship as cousins, didn’t lend itself to a close relationship. Nonetheless, I always stayed in touch with family and knew what was going on with everyone through your Mom. I only got to meet Peter at special family occasions but was immediately drawn to his warm personality and kindness. I watched your beautiful boys be born and grow into wonderful young men while observing your strength and commitment to family and Peter’s pride of family. Most people don’t ever find in life what you and Peter shared. The sorrow in your heart must be heavy and the pre-mature loss of a wonderful Dad shattering for Kelly, Tristan and Kiernan. Your strength in the face of such unfair odds has been nothing short of admirable. Peter touched many lives and his legacy will forever be remembered. I regret not seeing my family as often as I wanted to but have lived through your stories and pictures and truly embrace your family. I pray often and Peter was always in my prayers and will continue to be. You and the boys will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. You are surrounded by family and friends that will continue to feed your strength. Hold on Kassie and know that your are loved. God Bless you all. “No Worries Mate”. I can hear Peter say just that.
Peter thank you so much for the blessing YOU are and always will be! I am so grateful to GOD for having YOU in my life! Words can’t express how I feel and how thankful I am to YOU for being there and believing in me always telling me I could be successful! You are one amazing person! YOU and YOURS always in my prayers! Love YOU!
As we travel thru Life’s Journey’s we come across Special People that make an Impact in our Lives, I can’t Drop names but this Name(Peter) is a name not only in scripture but also in dulled on our Hearts that knew him! Kass thanks for Being who you are to Share your Family, your Life, and of Course your Husband, who picked you to spend life with. Our Prayers for this Special celebration of Peters Life, we will be there in Prayer’s and in Spirit! Love to All the Wilson’s and the Legacy continues………… Love Steve and Susan Baran
Dear Kass and Boys,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Pete touched everyone he came in contact with, whether it was his inviting smile or warm “aussie” greeting, we were drawn to his welcoming personality. We will always remember hearing him cheer on the Delran Bears Varsity Soccer team through their victorious journey to the State Champs last Fall. As a team Mom, Kass, you had added pressure during the soccer season and despite all the stress you were under, the grace you possessed was beyond comprehension. I am grateful I was able to form a friendship with Pete, Kass and family. Please know you have soccer moms and friends you can count on for much love and support. Love, Chris, Thereese, Tristan, Brenden, and Jeremy Rafanello
Peter was a kind and gentle man. Although I didn’t get to know him well, he always had something nice to say, and was a gracious leader.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kass, and the family. May God bless you and give you comfort in these tough times.
I never saw Peter without a shindig smile on his face, and I’m sure that he is in Heaven smiling down upon us all.
Wilson Family…I am beyond words to be able to express my feelings about my Soul-Brother Peter Wilson. From the moment I met Peter in 1988 we’ve share so many magical life adventures & memories.
My absolute highlight was the day Peter & Kass got married…I knew then that Peter & Kass had found their “true loves kiss” forever. My heart aches that Kass is left to take care of their boys without her best friend, lover & husband. Yet Kass, Mark, Kelly, Tristan & Kieran can rest assured that Peter is all of their Guardian Angel now. The truth is…We are all just one breath away from where you are Peter. And will all be back together again my dear friend —in but a blink of the eye. Till then We will all hear your laughter & see your smile in our hearts & soul. True life’s wealth is not measured in dollars…the absolute fortunate is in how make people feel. And Peter Wilson is remembered for making a difference in all our lives…a God’s Gift of beautiful friendship & kindness he shared with so many of us.
I am forever grateful that our paths crossed.
I love & miss you!
All-Ways
Sheri
Peter. What a great man. Salt of the earth. Funny and real. I am so happy we were able to go to dinner this past Fall! I am not sure exactly how it works when we pass but I sure do hope in some way our paths cross once again!!
I am happy your are pain free and in a place I am sure is incredible!!
Till we meet again…love U brother!
Joe
To Peter’s family:
May you have strength from God greater than ever before, to shore up the emotional gap you feel in your lives now Peter has returned home to our father in Heaven.
The Lord has taken you home Peter. You are undoubtedly be in a good, happy and perfect place right now.
The gifts he has for you are inconceivable to the human mind. You gave life and freedom to many people in the Networking industry and your legacy lives on and continues to liberate and inspire through those whom you worked with and mentored.
God bless you!
RIP