Peter Benedict Schwarzkopf

Peter Benedict Schwarzkopf, 94, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, in McLean, Virginia.

Born in Manhattan and raised in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, Pete was the son of Irving and Ruth Schwarzkopf. From an early age, he possessed a natural spirit of adventure and a deep appreciation for the world around him—qualities that stayed with him throughout his long life. He grew up sailing and repairing cars alongside his father and brother; in fact, he rebuilt the engine of a non-working car to earn his very first vehicle.

Pete graduated from Dartmouth College as a member of the Class of 1953 and went on to earn his law degrees from Harvard University. While working as an appellate attorney at a private law firm in New York City, he met his future wife, Marion, at a dance while she was completing a nursing exchange visitor program from England. Their meeting marked the beginning of a devoted 64-year marriage.

When Pete transitioned from private practice to government service, he pulled out a map and chose Lake Barcroft in Falls Church, Virginia, as the place he wanted to raise his family. He went on to spend 47 years as an attorney in the Office of the General Counsel at the Department of Transportation (initially the Civil Aeronautics Board), negotiating international airline agreements. He earned the deep respect of colleagues for his integrity, diligence, and sound judgment. His work also allowed him to travel widely as a representative of the United States.

Pete delighted in sharing the history and culture of the Washington, D.C. area with his family, spending weekends exploring museums, monuments, battlegrounds, and the National Zoo. A true jack of all trades, he could tune an engine, repair a boat, or fix nearly any household appliance. He embraced life with constant energy—ballroom dancing with Marion, sampling adventurous cuisine, biking the W&OD Trail, attending the theatre, camping, and swimming, boating, and fishing on Lake Barcroft. Many family vacations were spent visiting National Parks, including a memorable coast-to-coast van trip one summer.

After retiring, Pete continued to nurture his intellectual curiosity through the Lifetime Learning Institute at Northern Virginia Community College, where he participated in and coordinated courses.

Pete’s life was rich with accomplishment, generosity, and adventure. His commitment to living fully remains a lasting example to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife, Marion Schwarzkopf; his five children, Lisa Hodge (Ron), Richard Schwarzkopf (Bonnie), Karen Hauda (Bill), Philip Schwarzkopf (Patty), and Linda Harper (Steve); and sixteen grandchildren: Cameron (Kelly), Erin, Brad (Nikki), Corey, Nick, Jennifer (Matt), Natalie, Kristina, Jessica, Sam, Nathan, Melinda, Brian (Kaelani), Peter, Adam, and Clarke.

He was predeceased by his parents, Irving and Ruth Schwarzkopf; his siblings, Stanya Jimenez (John) and Dan Schwarzkopf (Connie); and a grandson, Matthew Hauda.

A private graveside service will take place at a later date.