OBITUARY
Peter John Obernesser
June 17, 1938 – January 5, 2021
Peter J. Obernesser, 82, passed away on January 5, 2021 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Peter’s life began on June 17, 1938; he was the oldest of 12 children born to the late Albert and Eileen Obernesser of Utica, New York.
Peter graduated from New Hartford High School in 1956, and subsequently attended St. Michael’s College in Toronto, Canada where he first met the love of his life, Jane Hungerford. They were married on December 1, 1962 and spent the last 58 years together. Once married, Peter proudly served as a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, after which he worked as a special agent in the FBI. With four children in tow (and one on the way), he attended law school at Syracuse University and worked as a Deputy District Attorney in Syracuse, NY upon graduation.
In 1977, Peter and Jane visited Breckenridge, CO on a ski vacation and decided to move to Colorado with their 5 children. Peter had a successful law practice which served the Colorado Springs community for over 40 years.
Peter had a passion for many things: traveling, skiing, bike riding, hunting, blue lollipops, and chocolate chip cookies. He traveled all over the world with his wife, children and grandchildren, and set foot on all 7 continents, achieving a goal that he and Jane had set years before. At 82 years of age, he was still a ski instructor at Beaver Creek.
He was the patriarch of the Obernesser family, and will always be remembered by his loving and devoted wife, Jane Obernesser; children Ann (Mike) Rogers of Florissant, CO, and their three children, Jessica, Leslie, and Kelly; Peter Obernesser of Colorado Springs, CO and his two children, Ryan and Bailey, and grandson Dean; Katie (Greg) Troupe of Monument, CO and their five children, Casey, Meghan, Caitlyn, Peter and Garrett; Jane Cummings of Colorado Springs, CO and her four children, Emma, Mary, Catherine, and Sarah; Michael (Megan) Obernesser of Colorado Springs, CO and their three children, Mia, Jackson and Tyson; as well as Peter’s surviving siblings: William, Albert, James, Robert, Eileen, Karen, Michael, Paul, and John. He is preceded in death by his two siblings, Charles and Jean; and his granddaughter, Casey Jane Troupe.
A private funeral service and burial will be held January 15, 2021, but the family intends to have a celebration of Peter’s big, beautiful life in 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lalmba Association (lalmba.org).
FAMILY
- Jane Obernesser, Wife
Services
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Visitation
Friday, January 15, 2021
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Funeral Service
Friday, January 15, 2021
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Graveside
Friday, January 15, 2021
Memories
Peter John Obernesser
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYMike Schultz
January 20, 2021
Janie and family,
I just heard about Peter passing. I am so sorry for your loss. We had talked last fall about pheasant hunting and he was still as vibrant and upbeat as always... I hope you are all doing ok. The good Lord will be in good company! Please call if we can do anything for you... Mike, Dawn and Whitney Schultz 785-462-1447 mo.
Gary Vasseur
January 19, 2021
I follow in his footsteps here in Beaver Creek. I remember chatting with him in the line up and thinking that I want to be that old dude--still skiing, still teaching skiing when most of our brothers have hung up the boards long ago.
Diane Lacroix
January 18, 2021
So sorry to learn of Peter’s death. We met Peter and Jane when we first moved to Colorado Springs at the same time they had moved here as well.
He was always so friendly with a big smile. Rest In Peace, Peter , knowing I will be there for Jane always. Di
Lou Ann Obernesser
January 15, 2021
Peter has shown us love, brought joy, and made us laugh and this has given us the lasting gifts of a beautiful life - and blessed our memories forever. Our prayers, our sympathy and our deepest love are with you all.
Paul, Lou Ann and Alexis.
Mary Carol (Mimi) Fehlner
January 15, 2021
Jane and all, Ned and Steve have reflected my sentiments so beautifully. I will add humility to those words that describe who he was. Ted and Pete were the oldest of us 23 first cousins and will continue to be wonderful roll models for me as I reflect on their tales from childhood. Pete was a great story teller and always had a story of a mischievous younger Peter that would have us laughing long after the tale was told.
The happy memories will not be forgotten and I hope for all of you, your stories from Pete will be passed on.
love and prayers to you, Jane, and your beautiful family.
Tom Newmann
January 14, 2021
Pete was one of the few people who actually “got it.” He understood people, their motivations and their subsequent actions.
His intellect, coupled with his humanity and his understanding of the human condition, made him a very special person. He really cut to the chase ... no mincing of words; just as straightforward and honest as a guy could be.
Michele and I really miss the great conversations, the knowing look and, above all, the laughter.
We really miss Pete ... but are sure better off for knowing him! He was quite a guy!!
Tom Newmann/Michele Fuller
Patricia Kelly
January 14, 2021
Thank you, Peter, for your friendship and fine legal work on behalf of so many. May you rest in eternal glory and may God keep all your family and friends safe and healthy.
Patricia K. Kelly
Denis Retoske
January 14, 2021
From the Marine Officers of Basic School Class 5-62, H and I Companies, Quantico, VA
Rest in Peace, Marine.
Semper Fidelis
MICHAEL INGELIDO
January 14, 2021
As a fellow military veteran and ski instructor at Beaver Creek, please accept my deep condolences on Peter's passing. He has my deepest respect for a life well lived in service to his family, community and country.
Lou Ann Obie
January 13, 2021
That big smile, that’s what I’ll remember most. I’m so sorry we can’t be there for you in a way we are used to but we are certainly all with you in spirit. Thinking of you Aunt Jane, my love to you all XOXO
Karen LaScala
January 13, 2021
The oldest of 12, first born son. He led the way for all of those who followed. A force to be reckoned with, he always had ‘the best’ idea and he’d drag us kicking and screaming behind him only to show us that his idea WAS the best! We may have disagreed at times, but love was always there. Endless energy, especially in winter, he could outdo the best of us. We will miss him. I will miss him. Sending my love to you Jane and to my nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. K
Martin Obernesser
January 13, 2021
As many may know, Peter’s dad and mine were brothers who owned a twin house in Utica,N.Y.
We lived as brothers my first 12 years. A bond never broken.
Perhaps best illustrated when Pete and Jane made the long and expensive journey to Connecticut for my brother Ted’s funeral.
It is with the deepest regret that we can not able to return the honor to grieve with Jane and the family because of the same evil that has taken Peter.
Peter’s is a storied life that we all followed and marveled at. He has given us a treasury of fond memories we will always carry.
Marty and Judy Obernesser , Jupiter, Fl
Nancy Barber
January 12, 2021
Oh Jane, I am so so sorry for your deep loss! Even though I don't know you well, I have always enjoyed the few conversations we have had. My heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers at this difficult time.
Nancy Barber from your Count Pourtales neighborhood
Ned Obernesser
January 12, 2021
Peter means rock, and Peter John Obernesser was the rock foundation of numerous Obernesser families. One of “The Few, The Proud, The Marines. he always held a commanding presence, and his confidence in all things was beyond measure. He held the “If you look like you belong, then you belong” philosophy and would go places and do things that no one else would even consider doing. He not only believed in strong family ties, but also lived his life with Family First foremost in his mind. Peter was a solid athlete even from high school. He was an active golfer, avid bicyclist, expert skier even into his eighties. He will be sorely missed by many.
Peter 1:11 “…and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”.
We all know that you will continue to be a commanding presence in the Kingdom of God and we await our reunion with you there.
Steve & Tricia Szymczak
January 10, 2021
Oh my God, oh, please God, our Father, help to relieve the family's pain from this loss. We know you have a plan and we are resolved to live accordingly, but in this time there is a void in our collective heart. We pray that you provide relief and a respite.
Pete was so much - cousin, friend and mentor. Except for his love of the Yankees he was near perfect. I fear for a clash of wills when St. Peter is confronted with both Aunt Eileen and her eldest. Uncle Al will sit and smile. Heaven will never be the same, and sadly, nor will our earthly world. Thank you, Peter, for showing us how to live life to its fullest. Steve & Tricia
Diane Obernesser
January 8, 2021
Jane & family, So sorry for your loss. I'll always remember his smile & laugh & how he included everyone. He was so kind when Ted was ill. They're probably in heaven together.