Peter J. Grunwald

Peter J. Grunwald June 2, 1928 ~ January 13, 2016 Falmouth Peter J. Grunwald, 87, died January 13, 2016 at Maine Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born in Budapest, Hungary in 1928, Peter was the son of the late Barnabas and Eva (Herczog) Grunwald. Peter lived an amazing life. He grew up in Budapest, the son of a judge, spending summers on his grandfather's farm and vineyard. When Budapest was occupied by the Germans during WWII, Peter's family, like so many others, experienced many hardships- countless hours hiding in bomb shelters, getting by without heat and little food, facing danger on a regular basis. When the Allied forces advanced and surrounded the area, a sign that the war was almost over, Peter and his brother narrowly escaped death when a bomb cut through their house just missing Peter and seriously injuring his brother. Many other stories of survival followed. Peter immigrated to the U.S. as an exchange student when he was 18 to attend Augustana College. He continued on obtaining a Masters in Biochemistry at the University of Iowa. It was during this time that Peter became a U.S. citizen with President Truman actually authorizing his papers. He served in the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, as a research chemist. In 1953 he married his ""Sweet Pat"" and started raising a family in Havertown, PA, later moving to Media, PA. Peter had a 35 year career with E.I. DuPont, beginning as a chemist in the Marshall Labs of South Philadelphia. He rose through the company to become CEO of DuPont's Latin America and Asia Subsidiaries, living in Sydney, Australia and then Buenos Aires, Argentina before retiring and moving to Maine. Peter loved spending time with his family and had a great sense of adventure. He and Pat traveled extensively with a special group of friends. Peter enjoyed the opera, fishing, duck hunting and downhill skiing which he did well into his 80's. He had a beautiful voice and sang with his church choir, while supporting the congregation in many other ways. He was a committed volunteer at Maine Adaptive Skiing, The Ronald McDonald House in Portland and has supported of the Southern Poverty Law Foundation, since 1992. Peter was known and respected by many as being very kind, fair, an advocate of those in need. He was lovingly named ""The Mayor of Eben Hill"" on Cousins Island where they lived for over 20 years. Peter was a truly gracious gentleman who will be missed by many. Peter is survived by his wife Patricia, his sons: Douglas, Thomas and his partner Zahira, James and his wife Susan, Bruce and his wife Rebecca and his grandchildren Anastasia, Elliot, and Peter. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother. A Celebration of the Resurrection will be held for Peter on January 23rd at 1pm at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Falmouth. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation, the Building Fund at Emmaus Lutheran Church, or The Southern Poverty Law Center.