Peter Harkness Van Loan

WINDHAM- Peter "Pete" Harkness Van Loan, 89, passed away on July 16, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 4, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York to the late William Franz Van Loan Sr. And Florence Miriam Harkness.

Pete graduated from Valley Stream High School in Long Island before attending Rensselaer Polytech Institute in Troy, New York. He received his master's degree from Hartford University before beginning his career as a personnel manager at General Electric. After 30 years with them, he happily retired.

Pete met Patricia Jensen while attending college in New York and married on February 15, 1958. They shared 68 years together and created a wonderful life.

In his free time, Pete loved to watch any sport on TV although baseball was his favorite. When he was young, his mom used to take him out of school for opening day at Ebbits field to see Brooklyn Dodger games. He also loved to play golf and played often with his relatives and friends. Above all, Pete loved traveling with his wife, family and friends to all parts of Europe including Ireland, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. He hiked in the alps in six countries and was also an avid hiker in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

He loved music and dancing. He was always on the dance floor at every event, smiling brightly. He loved to go out to the Pubs in Ireland to hear the music. One year he and Pat went to Ireland for 28 days and Pete and Pat went out 28 nights!

He was a brilliant, friendly, outgoing person, and if you knew him, you loved him. He loved to engage with people and listen to their stories and remember every important detail. Pete had a great sense of humor and was always fun to be with. He lit up every room he was in, he was a generous man with incredible people skills. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend anyone could ever ask for.

His favorite thing to do was spend time with his family. Pete had a strong commitment to family and was the driving force behind family reunions that he arranged twice a year for 30 years.

Pete leaves behind his wife, Patricia Van Loan, children, Mark Andrew Van Loan and Linda Marie Van Loan, his daughters in law, Patricia and Nicole. As well as his grandchildren, Jessica, Shannon, Meghan, Molly, Peter and Clyde, and great grandchildren Leo, Rose Mary and Tanner.

He is predeceased by his children, Ernest William Van Loan, David Peter Van Loan, and Richard Harkness Van Loan. As well as his brother William Van Loan Jr., niece, Susan Booker and nephew, William Macey.

His loved ones will miss his presence deeply. Through countless joyful and humorous memories, Pete’s legacy of love and celebration will continue to impact the world in a positive way. May we carry forward the grace, warmth, and kindness he brought to this world.

All services are going to be held privately to family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group, 217 Turner Street, Auburn. Condolences may be shared here on the obituary page of the funeral home website.