Peter Holmes Edwards

Peter Holmes Edwards—dapper gentleman, tulip lover, skilled storyteller and visionary entrepreneur—passed away on August 13th, 2025. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Pete chose to plant deep roots in the city he loved and helped shape.

A graduate of Upper Arlington High School and The Ohio State University, Pete proudly served in the United States Navy. While on spring break at the beach in Fort Lauderdale, he met the love of his life, Suzie Williams. They married in 1958 and built a remarkable life together, sharing 67 years as inseparable partners and creating countless treasured memories.

Pete had a passion for making deals, building communities, and uplifting others. A doer, a fixer, and a natural problem-solver, he was always thinking several steps ahead and had a rare gift for bringing others along with him. He was happiest when sharing his time, advice, and experience. He created bonds of trust and loyalty among his family, friends and colleagues. For Pete, hard work was a source of great joy.

A dynamic businessman and developer, Pete owned and led companies in real estate development, home and apartment construction, insulation and industrial distribution. His legacy is etched across Columbus and the southeastern United States, where he developed countless communities building more than 50,000 apartments and homes. He played a pivotal role in restoring Columbus’s historic Brewery District and, in 1989, built the first privately funded highway interchange in Ohio at Tuttle Crossing. His love of architecture and design earned him multiple local and national awards for excellence. His work was often a reflection of his soul—filled with gardens in bloom, graceful fountains, and green spaces that invite peace.

Beyond business, Pete was a generous philanthropist, dedicating time and support to causes close to his heart. Chief among them was his beloved alma mater, The Ohio State University. He also proudly supported the Columbus Museum of Art, Salvation Army, the Columbus Zoo, United Way, COSI, and the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio, among others.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents John Thomas and Hulda Edwards and his brothers John Thomas II, David and sister Polly.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Suzie. Together, they were a formidable and loving team, always giving of themselves to their family, friends, and community. He is also survived by his children: Dr. Peter H. Edwards Jr. (Christine), Jeffrey W. Edwards (Lisa), Michael A. Edwards (Phaedra), and Anne W. Edwards; his 11 grandchildren: Kate (Brendan), Alison (Michael), Ellis (Dave), Caroline (Frank), Will, Hale, Ben, Pete III, Georgia, Lane, and Oliver; and three great-grandchildren: Theo, Owen, and Avery. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Judy Sandbo.

To his family, he was affectionately known as Papa Bear, a nod to the darling Berenstain Bears children’s books. He was the architect of countless family adventures—from the lakes and rivers of Ohio to France, England, Mexico, Alaska, Nassau and the Caribbean. Whether traveling abroad or escaping to Snortin’ Ridge in the Hocking Hills, Pete believed deeply in the joy of togetherness and the power of exploration. He taught us to cherish the outdoors, flowers, sunshine, and the thrill of the next great adventure.

A self-proclaimed picky eater, Pete never made peace with green vegetables or seafood, but he had an enduring love affair with hot fudge sundaes, good red wine and meals like chicken stir fry (extra bean sprouts!) and steak with mashed potatoes. He relished a good bargain, a treasure hunt, and always cheered for the Buckeyes.

We are truly grateful for the love and care Pete received during the last decade of his life as he faced vascular dementia—especially from Suzie, his unwavering partner, and from his exceptional caregivers Susan, Kara, Al, Erica, Kim, and many others. Thank you to the friends, family, and doctors who lifted us up when things were hard. You helped carry us, and we are forever thankful.

Pete’s legacy lives on in the neighborhoods he built, the lives he touched, and the family he loved. We see you everywhere, Dad—your spirit is woven into the fabric of our lives.

Godspeed, Dad. Grandpa. Pal. Friend. Mentor.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions to be made to The Pete Edwards Sr. Fund to Advance Neurological Innovation at WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (https://give.wvu.edu/fundraiser/6562808), the Columbus Foundation – Gifts of Kindness ( https://columbusfoundation.org/the-giving-store/gifts-of-kindness ), or to The Alzheimer’s Disease Research fund #302185 in Neurology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/ways-to-give) .

Visitation will be held from 3-6 PM on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221. Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM on Friday, August 29, 2025 at First Community Church South, 1320 Cambridge Boulevard South, Columbus, Ohio 43212. Following the service, the family will greet friends at the Columbus Club, 181 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.