Harold "Pete" Francis Lichtenberg

Harold “Pete” Lichtenberg, 98, of Cary, North Carolina, died peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026. After a long and very full life, Pete left behind a legacy of devotion, storytelling, curiosity, and humor.

Pete was born in 1927 and raised in a lively 1,000-square-foot home in South St. Louis with his parents, Charles and Elizabeth, and his many siblings. He became accustomed to a crowded house, something that would come in handy later. Growing up, Pete loved big band music, radio shows like Jack Benny, and learning how things worked. After high school, he attempted to enlist in the military, but was rejected due to a diagnosis of “flat feet.” His desire to work with his hands and mind then led him to American Optical in St. Louis, where he mastered the precise art of lens grinding, a skill he remained quietly proud of his entire life.

Shortly thereafter, he met Antoinette (“Lena/Lee” or “Toni,” as she was called many years later) Novara, who lived in the Italian section of St. Louis called “The Hill”, and they began dating. Pete’s work and romantic life were then interrupted in 1946, when, despite his previously diagnosed flat feet, he was drafted by the Army Medical Corps and told to be ready within 24 hours. His destination turned out to be a camp in Wisconsin, where the local commander chose him to help manage the clinic based on his optical lens skills, intelligence, and ability to learn quickly.

After his service, in 1947, he returned to St. Louis and resumed work at American Optical and his relationship with Lee.

Pete and Lee then married in 1950 and settled on The Hill, where Pete, an observant and rare non-Italian living amongst Italians, picked up just enough of the local language to understand (and later repeat) the neighborhood lingo, much to everyone’s delight.

Together, Pete and Lee began growing their family and bought their first house, a small “fixer-upper” located on “The Hill”. Lee’s mother also lived with them for a while prior to her passing on December 31, 1957.

After the first four children were born, it was time to find a larger home. The family moved to the western part of St. Louis to a 2-story brick bungalow with a 2nd-floor rental unit. The last two children were born here, and the 2nd floor was rented out the entire time they lived there.

After all the children were in school, Lee began working part-time, which she really enjoyed. As the older children became teenagers, it became apparent that a larger home, without rental space, was necessary. Lee found a well-constructed brick ranch-style house in the St. Louis suburb of Crestwood, and the family moved there in 1970.

Pete began working as a dispensing optician and subsequently opened his own optical shop. Lee eventually joined him to help out in the shop, and Friday nights often meant bowling leagues and socializing with friends.

While in Crestwood, Pete’s generosity and devotion to family was further demonstrated by his mother living with them in her final years. Lee’s sister also lived with the family for a while after Pete’s mother passed on.

After opening the business, Pete also joined the Lions ’Club, a service organization whose mission is to serve the blind and the less fortunate. They do this, in part, by raising money and collecting

used eyeglasses. (We wish you could see the photograph of Pete at the Lions ’fund-raising variety show, with him dressed as a hula dancer wearing a coconut shell bra and grass skirt!)

One of his greatest joys was the arrival of his grandchildren. Pete loved being with them and would often recount fond stories about watching the grandkids grow over the years.

After years of working and raising his children in St. Louis, Missouri, Pete and Lee retired and moved to a golf course condo in Florida. There, Pete would pursue his love of golf and allow him to get away from cold, snowy winters in St. Louis.

Unfortunately, Lee suffered a stroke while living in Florida. With her declining health over the next several years, it became apparent that Pete needed additional help caring for her. As a result, they moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. For many years, Pete took care of Lee at home, providing daily attention to her needs. After Lee’s passing, in his grief, Pete did not believe he would remarry. During this time, he found comfort and support in the friendships he had developed with his three golfing buddies. Eventually, his daughter and son-in-law migrated to Raleigh. Pete soon followed to live in Cary.

In the following years, Pete would stay busy with golf and bowling, but would also pursue other interests such as painting and dancing. After 7 years of widowhood, Pete’s participation in a bowling league introduced him to Jan, whose warmth and energy proved to be a perfect match for his own. They both sensed an immediate connection due to their very similar life experiences. Both had been married 50+ years, had cared for a deceased spouse, and had raised their own families with 5-6 children. Pete and Jan shared many interests, including golfing, bowling, music, card playing, and spending time with family.

They married in 2011 and lived in the Raleigh area before eventually moving to Sun City Center, Florida. They enjoyed their years in Florida, but as their health changed, they decided to return to North Carolina to be closer to family. After careful searching, Pete and Jan settled at Preston Pointe Retirement Community and quickly built a circle of friends. Pete became known for his storytelling, which was detailed, enthusiastic, and occasionally repeated, just in case you missed it the first time.

Despite Pete’s declining physical health, he never lost his zest for life or his desire to spend time with his beloved Jan. On January 10, 2026, after 2 months of being in and out of hospitals and skilled nursing centers, Pete died peacefully, surrounded by family.

Anyone who knew Pete knows the world feels quieter without him. And yet, as we say goodbye, we are deeply grateful for the laughter, lessons, and love he shared so generously. Pete will be missed more than words can say.

Pete is survived by his beloved wife Janet Lichtenberg, his children Charles (Lynne), John, Christopher (Martha/“Liz”), Elizabeth (Tim) Harwood, and Rose Lichtenberg; grandchildren: Amy Querin, Matthew Lichtenberg, Katie Becker, John James Lichtenberg, Michael Harwood, and Elise King, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Pete is also survived by Janet’s children Karen (Wayne) Allen, Philip (Susan) Richard, Steve Richard, Paula Andrews, Pamela (Bill) Owens; grandchildren Allison Dease, Joey Allen, Sam Allen, Amy Lambert, Allen Richard, Jessica Andrews, David Andrews, Rebecca Pearson, Zachary Owens; and 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Antoinette; his son, James Lichtenberg, and his grandson, George Lichtenberg; parents, Charles and Elizabeth; his siblings, Richard, Melvin, Wilbur, Esther, and Dorothy;

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Transitions Hospice in Pete's honor.