Peter Adrian van der Vate
October 16, 1938 ~ February 26, 2017
On Sunday, February 26th 2017, Peter Adrian van der Vate passed away peacefully at his home in Fairfax, Virginia. Pete, son of Jan and Harriett van der Vate, loving husband of Frances Warlick van der Vate, transitioned from this life after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Fran and their daughter Sarah van der Vate, and his first wife Margaret Dodd Ritter and their children Jan van der Vate, Susan van der Vate Friese, and Elizabeth van der Vate. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara van der Vate, and four grandchildren. Pete enjoyed a fulfilling car racing career, winning two SCCA National Championships. He went on to open and operate his own car repair shop for over 25 years, until he retired. He loved learning how things worked, he was a voracious reader, and he was a great friend to everyone that knew him. He loved long drives on winding country roads while listening to anything from Zydeco to Bluegrass, and spending time at Virgina International Raceway. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Thursday, March 9th and funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 10th, both at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA. Interment at Fairfax City Cemetery will follow the funeral service, and there will be a reception following interment at 1:00 pm at American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, VA for family and friends. Flowers can be sent to Money & King (but please, no lilies - he really hated lilies.) Online condolences and fond memories of Peter may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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I first met Pete after buying my first Alfa from International Motors, Falls Church, VA, where Pete was Service Mgr. for many years. I continued to see Pete off and on for 35 years (1969-2004) there and at his Precision Import Service Center shop through several Alfas. The story that I still tell today involved a broken timing belt on a GTV-6 with the resulting damage to most of its valves. Pete asked me “How fast were you going?” (a mile from home on 495 in Annandale). “Seventy”, I replied. To this he responded: “In what gear??!!” I had always thought Pete a little gruff in his demeanor, but realized he actually had a sense of humor. I will always remember with appreciation Pete’s help, his knowledge, and his honesty in dealing with me and my Alfa’s through the years. My condolences to the entire family. Jon Bernheimer, Rockville, MD
Condolences to Peter’s family and friends on my behalf and that of the Fairfax High School (FHS) Class of 1957. Peter was with us during our 8th & 9th grades; however, he may have transferred before 10th grade picture day. Peter (and perhaps Fran as well) joined us for our 50th reunion at Fair Oaks in 2007. This year at our LXth reunion, Peter and other departed classmates will be honoured.
THANKS PETE FOR THE THINGS YOU’VE TAUGHT ME IN THE EARLY DAYS OF OUR FRIENDSHIP,I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. I HOPE YOU ARE RESTING PEACEFULLY AND NO MORE PAIN. GOODBYE MY FRIEND.
RIP my sweet pete Ive been cutting your hair for a least a decade…but it never seemed like work when you were in my chair.You always brighten my day with your smile and positive attitude. .You never complained when I knew you were very sick you would just simply say well theres alot more people worse off than me..I will miss you very much but you will live on in my heart and in my memories. .xoxoxo
I will miss you my dear friend we knew eachother for 40 years .Thank you for all the business and life lessons..If all the men in the world were like you it would be a beautiful place RIP Godspeed
best of the best and prayers to your family you will be missed god bless [rest in peace]
Pete and I became friends after I purchased my first GTV in 1973.I spoke with him at VIR in the fall of 2016 and I was pleased that he had been able to attend. This posting is to tell the family my thoughts are with them at this time. Peter was a special man.