Donald "Peter" Osterndorff

Donald “Peter” Kenneth Osterndorff passed away on July 19, 2024, at Berkshire Place in Pittsfield, MA.

Peter was born in the Bronx on December 12, 1933, to Kenneth and Kathryn (Stein) Osterndorff. He spent most of his early years in the Bronx with his parents and extended family. In 1950, he enrolled at St. Andrew’s School in Delaware for one year of secondary school. His time at St. Andrew's was brief but formative, instilling in him a lifelong appreciation for architecture, organ music, and literature.

Peter also served in the US Army at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii, as a signalman. His service was cut short due to the early and unexpected death of his father, and he returned home to New York to help care for his mother. During this time, he also attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and studied math and accounting. After leaving Trinity, Peter began working at IBM in White Plains, where he met his future wife, Janet B. Osterberg. They were married on April 27, 1963.

As a child, he often traveled upstate on business trips with his father, leading him to fall in love with the Hudson Valley. In 1976, Peter and Janet moved with their three daughters from Westchester to Dutchess County, where they built a home they designed themselves in Rhinebeck, NY. Peter continued to work at IBM until he retired, initially as an accountant and finally as an accounting analyst.

Peter was known for his many idiosyncrasies and unique approach to life. He had a strong faith in Christ and was proud to be tagged a “mystic” in the C.S. Lewis study group he and Janet attended at the Messiah. As Janet’s health declined in later years, Peter was steadfast in providing care and support. He is remembered by his family for his deep love and commitment to their care and well-being.

Peter is predeceased by his wife, Janet (Osterberg) Osterndorff and sisters, Elizabeth (Osterndorff) Pavek and Barbara Osterndorff. He is survived by his daughters Jennifer and Joe Schneider, Elizabeth and Steven Kahanek, and Kathryn Osterndorff and her partner, Wilmer Stasney; his grandchildren Gareth Hobson and fiancé Melia Wakeman, Emma Hobson, and Dylan Kahanek.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Messiah in Rhinebeck, NY, on Saturday, August 31st, at 11a.m. with Fr. Richard McKeon officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Pete’s memory to Church of the Messiah or Church of the Messiah Food Pantry. To send remembrances to his family go to www.finnertyandstevens.com