Peter Wilps

Opi, as he was known to close family, always kept his loved ones’ interests close to his heart and worked hard to build a foundation for him and his family to achieve their dreams for years to come.

Peter was the embodiment of the American dream. He was born in Tiefenbruig, Düsseldorf, Germany on September 4, 1934, the second of five brothers. After growing up with his brothers in Germany during and after the second World War, he completed a tailor apprenticeship and met his future wife Christel while they both worked for a grocer in Duisburg. Peter immigrated to the United States in 1956 with $12 in his pocket to start a new life with his Uncle Dick and Aunt Gertrud who sponsored him and his brothers Hubert and Wilhelm in Queens, New York. He saved up enough money to bring his young bride Christel over from Germany; they married on August 10th, 1957. One year later, they were blessed with their daughter, Ilona. Peter went on to become a master tailor of fine clothing at Bonwit Teller, and eventually bought his own tailoring and dry-cleaning business in Ardsley, NY. He also found joy in training new tailors and seamstresses through adult education programs in White Plains, NY. After their two grandchildren were born, Peter and Christel followed their daughter’s young family to North Carolina, where Peter eventually retired from Hudson Belk and built a home in Apex.

Outside of his profession, Peter devoted much of his life to his family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends in New York, and was involved in the local German-American club. He enjoyed visiting his and Christel’s family in Germany when he could. He supported his wife’s artistic passions, his daughter’s business and family, and helped raise his grandchildren as they attained university degrees and started their own careers. In retirement he enjoyed gardening at home and spending time with his family at his condo at Ocean Isle Beach.

Peter was preceded in death by his wife Christel (Flor), parents Peter and Katherina Wilps (Schmidt), and his brothers Hubert and Reiner. He is survived by his brothers Hans and Wilhelm Wilps, daughter Ilona Miskell (Wilps), and grandchildren Ashley and Austin Tortorici.

His family will celebrate his life privately. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the National Adult Education Fund (https://www.aaace.org/page/NAEF).

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