Pete "Papa" VanBuskirk

With a life rich in laughter, friends, and family, Peter VanBuskirk made the most of every moment he had, never taking a blessing for granted. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he was a rock for so many, reliable for all those who depended on him. Nothing brought Pete greater joy than being surrounded by his loved ones. His sharp wit and mischievous sense of humor could put a smile on anyone’s face, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Already so greatly missed, Pete will be forever loved and cherished.

The late 1940s were some of the most exciting years to be an American. The world was finally beginning to find some healing following the end of WWII just a short time before. Here at home in the United States, the economy was flourishing, and the historic baby boom was underway. It was during this influential time that Harold Joseph VanBuskirk and Minnie Lillian Hess of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were excitedly awaiting the arrival of their new baby. On October 28, 1946, the happy couple announced the birth of their son, who they named Peter.

Growing up, Pete enjoyed a typical upbringing in his hometown of Pittsburgh. His father, Harold, worked hard to provide for the family as a salesman while his mother, Minnie, also held down several jobs while caring for the household. Both of Pete’s parents instilled a solid work ethic in him from a very young age. Throughout his formative years, Pete played trumpet. He was known to get into more than his fair share of mischief as a boy. Pete’s father would wake him up at midnight every New Year’s Eve to play taps “for” the neighbors on his trumpet. He also blew smoke rings out of his trumpet on the football field during a game at his high school, Mt. Lebanon High School.

The VanBuskirks were dealt a devastating blow with the loss of Pete’s dad, Harold. Despite being only 17 at the time, Pete didn’t hesitate to step up and begin taking care of the family. He graduated from Mt. Lebanon High in 1965 and pursued further education at Community College of Allegheny County. Pete then went on to attend Robert Morris University, earning his bachelor’s degree in business.

Never one to shy away from hard work, Pete held a variety of jobs over the years. He first had his own paper route, then worked at a burger joint called Winky’s. As a young man, he worked at a local gas station, pumping gas. Pete spent six years serving his country in the Army Reserves. He was a Sergeant running the post office, a field he would end up working in once again later in life.

It was while working at the gas station at the age of 24 that Pete met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Carla, and she was working at the Burg ‘n Dog across the street from the gas station. Tall, dark, and handsome Pete immediately caught Carla’s eye. The two began dating. They went to the drive-in’s quite a bit with a caravan of muscle cars. They also enjoyed bowling together. When Pete and Carla were united in marriage, they took a beautiful honeymoon to Puerto Rico. Over their years as husband and wife, they loved bowling in their league, dancing, golfing, and Doo-wop, aka “Oldies”, music.

It wasn’t long before Pete’s family began to grow. He and Carla were overjoyed to welcome their three daughters, Rachelle, Kristen, and Tiffany into their hearts and home. Pete thrived in his role as a father, and though he could be a strict disciplinarian when needed, he also wanted his girls to be happy more than anything in the world. The sun rose and set with his beautiful girls, including his foster child Bridgid who Pete generously welcomed into the family. He instilled in all of them the importance of hard work and a good education, insisting they all earn advanced degrees, and provided anything his daughters needed. The VanBuskirk family enjoyed camping in style and lounging on the beach, forming many priceless memories. They also fit in a trip to Disney World. In his later years, Pete was thrilled to become a doting grandfather. He showered his many grandkids with love at every opportunity. Known affectionately to everyone around him as “Papa,” Pete’s family was his greatest treasure.

All throughout his life, Pete was famous for his prankster’s streak, and he had so many hilarious stories to tell. When he wanted to scare his mom in the car, he picked her up from a bus stop at the top of a steep hill, then sped all the way down and back up the other side in his stick shift Chevelle. Of course, Pete got his sense of humor from his mother, so she had a fantastic time and laughed the whole way! A homebody at heart, Pete’s favorite meals always included ham, mashed potatoes and corn, and cherry crumb pie. He also loved pina coladas and wine coolers. Pete’s life motto, “Always watch where you’re walking and walk where you’re watching,” was just one of many pieces of advice he had to offer.

When reflecting on the life and legacy of Peter VanBuskirk, it is easy to admire a man who lived each day in selfless service to others. He was a shining example of loyalty, determination, and grit. A dedicated family man, there was nothing Pete wouldn’t do for his family from washing windows to working hard to put food on the table. His generosity has left an impact on so many that will not soon be forgotten. Although life will not be the same without Pete here, he leaves behind a wonderful mosaic of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

VanBuskirk, Peter “Pete” age 79, died March 14, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving is his wife Carla; daughter, Rachelle Downey and her sons Jason Peter “JP,” Kadyn and Declan, daughter Kristen (John) Sherman and her children Elise, Isabelle and David Peter, daughter Tiffany (Anthony) Good, niece Janine Hensler, nephews JD Howe and Christopher Hussey; brother-in-law, Greg Hussey, and sister-in-law, Cathy Hussey.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Friday, March 27, at 4PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Celebrate Pete’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on Pete VanBuskirk dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to his wife, Carla VanBuskirk.