Peter VanOstenbridge

Born on August 3, 1934, in Patterson, NJ, Peter was the beloved son of Pastor Peter and Jeanette Van Ostenbridge. He was a graduate of Avoca Central School in New York and Baptist Bible Seminary in Clarks Summit, PA. He met his wife, Joann, at Baptist Bible Seminary and they were married 68 years.

Peter's career spanned roles at Mobil Oil and Penske as a truck driver, and as a branch manager at Dixie Bearings, Inc. Peter was a devoted teacher of the adult Sunday School class at First Baptist Church in Bradenton, FL, where he shared his passion for Christ.

Peter was well known for his enjoyment of classic cars, traveling the US in their travel trailer, and, of course, ice cream and donuts. Over his life he owned many cars from Studebakers to Fords to Chevys to Toyotas and could easily tell you stories about all of them. Pete and Joann traveled all over the US in their travel trailer, volunteering for various groups along the way.

Despite the challenges of dementia, Peter’s unwavering faith in his eternal salvation shone brightly. Recently, he often spoke of his eagerness to thank Jesus for His sacrifice, to experience God's love and mercy firsthand, and to be reunited with his family in heaven. As we reflect on Peter's life, our hearts are drawn closer to the promise of heaven and the love of Jesus. We are reminded of Matthew 6:20-21: “Store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.”

His legacy of faith and love lives on through his cherished wife Joann, their children Terri Harper (Jon), Paul Van Ostenbridge (Sharon), and Jill Bartruff (Gregg), as well as their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Hey dad, save some donuts for us.”

“Hey Garpa, we’ll miss you.”

Donations:

David R. and Melanie Woodard, nephew of Pete and Joann with Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) serving in Arequipa, Peru.

Checkout | give.abwe.org

Youth for Christ, Bradenton Chapter

Youth for Christ | Suncoast Chapter

(suncoastyfc.org)

First Baptist Church of Bradenton

Give Now (onrealm.org)