Obituary of Peter L Strumpf

1948-2022. Age 74, of Breesport, NY, passed away on August 24, 2022. Peter was known for enthusiasm, high energy and athleticism, eagerness to share new thoughts and ideas that had captured his attention, dogged persistence, a zany cackle of a laugh, a social nature that craved fun and attention, and, above all else, love of his family. That love started with the close and attentive family in which he grew up. He was deeply influenced by his father Jerry’s teachings and his mother Eleanor’s devotion. He had a Brooklyn accent and city street smarts from his childhood on Long Island. He is survived by his sister Lynn, her husband Jeffrey Melman and their daughter Tammy, and a cousin, Richard Turoff (with his wife Barbara and daughter Melissa). Peter met his wife Margaret Wrenshall when he was a student at Hobart College and she at Elmira College. After he graduated from NYU Dental School, they eagerly returned to the beautiful Southern Tier and Peter began his practice of dentistry. He was devoted to the children and adults of his community for over 45 years and, not prone to idleness, never fully retired. He truly enjoyed his career and relationships with patients as well as the lasting friendships he formed with his wonderful office staff. One of the first things that Peter did when he finished graduate school was buy a horse, a wily Appaloosa he named Brighton. That led to his discovery of the game of polo, and of The Central New York Polo Club. Instantly smitten, polo became a passion that sustained him for forty-three years. Horses, summers on the green fields of New York and beyond, the joy of physical exertion with friends, both human and equine, made him feel fully alive. That his very last moments in life were spent galloping down a polo field on a late summer afternoon seems a perfect ending to a life well-lived. Peter and Margaret had three children of whom he was extremely proud. All three, Erin (Daniel Margulius), Daniel (Katherine Bercaw and children Sadie and Colin) and Matthew (Jessica Strumpf and son Sebastian), have become high achieving professionals. However, he would tell you it was their hearts, their actions to do good in the world, that impressed him most. He is predeceased by Matthew, who died of melanoma earlier this year—a great blow. Peter’s marriage ended in 2012, and he built a new life with partner Nancy Eraca and step-children, Gabrielle, Isabelle (Thomas MacDonald and children Lucas, Aubrey, Matthew, Lily, Cameron, Adalynn, and Carter) and Marsden. Peter and Nancy traveled the world together, reaching places as far flung as the glaciers of Patagonia and the volcanoes of Ecuador. Yet despite their many adventures, their favorite place to spend time was on the front porch as they watched the sun softly disappear beyond the pasture. His unrelenting love and guidance were gifts to so many, and he will be treasured always. Ride free, Petey. Donations in Peter’s memory may be made to : Work to Ride: https://www.worktoridecapitalcampaign.net/ The Polo Training Foundation: https://polotraining.org/ Calling Hours : August 27 and 28, 12-4pm, 514 Bannister Rd. Breesport NY Posted online on August 26, 2022 Published in Star-Gazette Service Information CALLING HOURS 514 Bannister Rd, Breesport NY August 27, 2022 at 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM CALLING HOURS 514 Bannister Rd. Breesport NY August 28, 2022 at 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM