Peter Frederick Werner

Peter Frederick Werner, RA, AIA

December 29, 1926 – January 20, 2026

Peter Frederick Werner, RA, AIA, of Preble NY, a retired architect and former resident of Freeville and Staten Island, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY. He was 99.

He is survived by his children, Kurt P. Werner (Debra) of Tolland, CT, and Brenda G. Werner of Freeville, NY; his granddaughter, Margaret Mary Werner of Newington, CT; and many nieces and nephews.

Peter was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Margaret Anne “Gretchen” (Peters) Werner; his parents; his brothers, Robert H. Werner Jr. and Richard N. Werner; his sister, Eileen E. George; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Peter was born December 29, 1926, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to Robert H. and Winifred (Reynolds) Werner. He grew up in Montreal and held dual citizenship through his father, who was an American citizen. In 1946, Peter enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably until his discharge in August 1947. After his service, he settled in Prince’s Bay on Staten Island, NY, where he worked as a draftsman apprentice by day while attending night school at Curtis High School to earn his diploma. He continued his studies at the New York Institute of Design and Construction in Brooklyn, earning a certificate in architectural technology.

Peter married Gretchen on September 13, 1952, at St. Roch’s Church in Port Richmond, Staten Island. The couple settled in Prince’s Bay, where they raised their two children. After successfully completing his licensing exams, Peter became a registered architect in New York State and opened his own private practice in Prince’s Bay. An active member of the American Institute of Architects, he built a successful and rewarding career focused primarily on residential new design and alterations. A forward thinker both personally and professionally, he took great pride in receiving the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s 1971 Annual Building Award for Excellence in Design and Community Progress.

Peter was an active member of the Huguenot Reformed Church and devoted much of his time to community service. For many years he served as Scoutmaster of Scout Troop 803, leading generations of Scouts on backpacking trips and outdoor adventures. His troop embraced the buddy system and self-sufficient camping, exploring favorite destinations in NY, NJ, and PA including Pouch Camp, Alpine Scout Camp, Ten Mile River Scout Camps, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Under his leadership, the troop completed multiple 50-mile hiking and canoeing awards.

He was also a longtime member of the Andrew E. Zimmer Fish & Game Club, where he helped organize their annual July 4th Huck Finn Youth Fishing Tournament at Willowbrook Park. Preparing equipment and bait for hundreds of young participants each year was one of his great joys. In addition to his architectural career, Peter founded a family-owned nursery and home garden supply business, The Corner Growthery, which operated from 1980 to 1989.

Peter and Gretchen moved to Freeville, NY, in 1998 to enjoy their retirement years. During that time, he explored off-grid solar energy projects. After his wife’s passing in 2016 he devoted much of his time to designing and building his dream fisherman’s cabin on Green Lake in Preble. An avid outdoorsman, Peter was an accomplished freshwater and saltwater fisherman and particularly enjoyed fishing for smallmouth bass in the Delaware River during family vacations. A master gardener, he maintained thriving vegetable gardens using organic gardening principles. He also enjoyed many friendly horseshoe games with family during gatherings. Even in retirement, Peter’s creativity never rested. When not working on home improvement or construction projects, he could often be found sketching ideas on notepads, envelopes, or napkins with his drafting pencils and architect’s scale. A folk wine book and wine making supplies gifted by his daughter resulted in many years of creative home wine experimentation using berries and even vegetables from his garden.

Peter was a loving father, grandfather, and friend who approached life with positivity and enthusiasm. On some mornings, neighbors might have heard him singing at dawn or even yodeling to the birds and bees. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

Private services were held on January 23, 2026, at Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve, with Perkins Funeral Home assisting the family and the Rev. Matthew P. Binkewicz officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca NY, 14850.