Peter Mueller of Delhi, born Aug. 28, 1936, died Jan. 6, 2024.
It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Peter Mueller at age 88 in the early morning hours after a short illness at Armbrook Village in Westfield, Mass.
Peter is survived by his sister Cora Lauterhahn, his children Paul Gustav Mueller, Dr. Erika Ruth Mueller, nephew Richard Sean Ogden and grandchildren Michelle Mary Mueller and Peter Angelo Mueller. Peter’s wife Nancy passed in 2015.
Peter was born in 1936 in Germany to Gustav Edward Christian Mueller and Irma Johanne Ida Papendieck. He grew up with four siblings in apartments in Berlin and then Stuttgart, Germany: Maria-Gabriele Mueller, who died in 1948, Paul Arnold Ulrich Mueller, drafted at 16, MIA, Helga Irene Mueller, and Cora Marianne Gisela Mueller. Peter had his very first airplane ride in the Luftbrücke (airlifted out of Berlin) with his sisters Cora and Irene. After the war the family lost their beloved father Gustav in 1950.
Peter became a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and road his bike across Europe and traveled to Paris as a young man in the 1950s, which could be where he picked up his European elegance and love of the color red, which was always a staple of his wardrobe. After training and working at Daimler-Benz, Peter came to the U.S. in 1960 and found success going into business with his brother-in-law James MacFadden, running an auto service station in Pelham. In 1961 Peter met Nancy Pinard when she brought her car in for service. Six weeks later they married and immediately began a family, having two children, Paul and Erika, and also became legal guardian to nephew Sean. Peter and Nancy continued raising their extended family in Pelham. In 1979 they purchased a second residence in Delhi. Peter bought out Jim in 1970 and continued to run his auto service business successfully with his son Paul for decades. Paul took over ownership in 2004 and continues overseeing M&M’s service success today.
The farm in Delhi became Peter and Nancy’s true home. They presided over all the family holidays there and grew many lifelong friendships in the area. Aside from being a successful businessman and a steadfast provider for his family, Peter also enjoyed photography, hunting, wine making, tending the farm, being a good neighbor, collecting Motorrad magazine and riding his BMW. As an avid motorcyclist Peter organized and rode in The Ramapo Motorcycle Club touring rallies for many years. Peter also delighted in passing on his love of motorcycling to his son, watching Paul compete in many motocross races through his teens. Paul subsequently passed on the tradition to his own son Peter who enjoys track racing.
Peter and his indomitable spirit will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
If you would like to make a donation in Peter’s name please send it to: Senior Dining Centers, 97 Main Street, Suite 2 Delhi, NY 13753; 607-832-5750.
