Obituary of Peter William Staats

Peter William Staats of Wurtsboro died Thursday, January 23, 2014 following a long and difficult illness. He was sixty-eight. The son of Bill and Edna Staats, Pete was born in Suffern, NY. He was a graduate of Nyack High School and Harpur College (Binghamton University) and earned a Master's degree in library science from Rutgers University. He was a librarian at Orange County Community College for most of his professional career. Pete will be remembered by his family and friends as a man of honest character and self-sufficiency. He could master any task; family life with his two sons and wife revolved around Pete's many cooking, home renovation, auto repair, and woodworking activities. He loved building classical guitars and tackling a wide range of other projects with his dear friend Nicholas Ioannou, but never hesitated to break for a cup of espresso and a discussion of life. An avid swimmer, runner and bike rider, Pete competed in several triathlons with his son and won his age group in the 2010 Washington, DC Triathlon. He swam daily with friends at the college pool during his working life and after his retirement. Pete approached pancreatic cancer with the same understated strength, resolve and optimism that he displayed throughout his life. His mental strength, joyful smile, and lively sprit were an inspiration until the end. He is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Mary Frances; his elder son and family: Paul, Jennifer and Simon Peter, of Maryland; his younger son and family: Steven, Sarah Jane and Sebastian George, of Maryland; his godson: Demetri Ioannou; and his mother Edna and sister Susan, both of Westfield, PA. He is predeceased by his brother Chris. He will be missed always. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com