Peter John Weber

Peter was born in Chicago and was named after his two grandfathers, Peter Weber and John Engeln. In July 1954, his family moved to Santa Cruz when his father became the plant engineer of the new Wrigley facility. Peter was 9 years old and started attending Holy Cross School, graduating from Holy Cross High School in 1963. Peter graduated from Cabrillo College in 1965 (AS - Zoology), UC Santa Barbara in 1968 (BS - Biology) and San Jose State University in 1980 (Business Administration).

While at UCSB, he joined the Army ROTC where he overcame his shyness and became an officer and leader. He spent 8-1/2 years in the Army, serving one year in Viet Nam as a Medivac helicopter pilot with the 101st Airborne Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart along with other distinguished medals and honorably discharged as a Captain. Peter never got over survivor guilt from his Viet Nam tour and suffered from PTSD and depression most of his adult life.

During his career, Peter worked for Van’s and Mission Markets, the U.S. Army, Amdahl Corp, Dominican Hospital, Harmony Foods, 7-Up, Sutter Health and UPS. Peter was very competitive and enjoyed all sports, especially golf and basketball. His hobbies included travel, gardening, stained-glass art, home improvements and nude sunbathing. He also had a passion for board and card games.

On December 29, 2017, Peter married Victor C. Ruder. Together they fulfilled each other’s enjoyment of life with traveling, joking around, and, of course, parlor games. Victor passed away April 20, 2023.

Peter would like to be remembered as kindhearted and thoughtful. He will be deeply missed by all.

Peter is predeceased by Victor Ruder, his parents Joseph Weber and Rita Englen and two sisters, Cathy Weber and Susan Parker. He is survived by two brothers, Joseph Weber Jr. and James Weber and three sisters, Roseann Wilson, Mary Riffel and Therese Ebert.

Peter’s burial will take place at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery (CCCVC) in Seaside, CA on July 25, 2023, at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Weber/Ruder Scholarship Endowment, Cabrillo College Foundation, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA, 95003.