Obituary

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Peter Ernest Kruppenbacher died peacefully at home on December 21, 2025, surrounded by family.

Peter was born on March 14, 1940, in Yonkers, New York, to Ernest Kruppenbacher and Dorothea Ruther. He was one of six siblings—Joyce, Donald, Larry, Peter, Paul, and Diane. Much of Peter’s childhood was spent in Yonkers, followed by six formative years in Lombard, Illinois, before the family returned to New York. Peter often described his time in Illinois as the happiest days of his childhood, filled with memories of collecting eggs, taking his beloved sister, Diane, for rides on their pony and skating to school on winter mornings—all deep connections to simple joys.

Following high school in 1959, Peter enlisted in the United States Air Force at the encouragement of his lifelong friend, Ray Cieslinski. While stationed in Italy, Peter fully embraced the experience—traveling on side trips throughout Europe, marveling at the beauty of the countryside, visiting cathedrals and churches, and developing a lifelong appreciation for opera and the music of the era—all while faithfully serving his nation.

Once again, at Ray’s urging, Peter applied to IBM where he spent most of his 38 years, as a Licensing Administrator for IBM’s International Patent Department, with sole responsibility for worldwide royalty payments flowing in and out of the company, a role he carried out with precision and integrity.

While at IBM, Peter met the love of his life, Mary Treanor Kruppenbacher, and they married in the small Church of St. Mary’s in Katonah, New York. Also, while at IBM, we met the Stigler’s—Jeanne, Buddy, Charlotte, Jim and Tom. More than friends, they became extended family. For 10 years, we shared annual vacations camping on the northern group of islands on Lake George, bordering New York and Vermont, boating, skiing, stargazing, watercolor classes, gourmet meals cooked on the outdoor grill—at one with nature and the heavenly presence of God. When Buddy decided to upgrade to the Catalina sailboat, Pete happily took the ski boat off his hands. Karen began her Lake George adventures when Mary was 8 months pregnant.

Peter and Mary made their home in the community of “Lake Purdy’s” in Somers, New York, where their greatest joy arrived with the birth of their daughter, Karen Kathleen. Despite long daily commutes to IBM Armonk, Peter remained fully engaged—volunteering his time, including supporting parish elementary school fundraising through bingo, Knights of Columbus, Midnight Run etc., all while putting Family first.

Throughout his life, Peter collected stories and adventures: family trips to Ireland, his first black diamond (ill-equipped) skiing experience, cherished Christmas walks down Fifth Avenue beginning at the Plaza and ending at the tree at Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, watching the Tall Ships in New York Harbor, Fourth of July fireworks in New York City, and countless ocean vacations.

Peter excelled at nearly every sport he tried—baseball, track and field, golf, bowling, swimming, boating, and skiing—but most of all, cycling, when he wasn’t watching the Brooklyn / LA Dodgers or the New York Knicks. Whether riding from Somers, New York, into Manhattan and back, or from Laguna Beach to San Diego, Peter embraced the challenge. One especially joyful memory was Bike New York’s 40-mile bike tour through all five boroughs of New York City with Karen, where Peter was required to wear a helmet—though his boat shoes famously remained. He was truly one of a kind.

Peter and Mary celebrated Karen’s marriage and later the birth of their grandson, Colin William Delaney, a blessing that brought immeasurable joy—he loved teaching Colin how to ride a bike on vacations to California and never missed soccer, baseball and volleyball games, swim meets, Kids Run the OC etc.

Pete, Mary, Karen and Colin shared a passion for Paradise East, on Anna Marie Island, Mary and Pete’s home on the Gulf of Mexico. After a wonderful 13-year chapter in Florida, they moved to California aka Paradise West. Peter happily took on his latest role—assisting as a devoted garden volunteer at Colin’s nearby elementary school.

Later in life, Peter faced cancer with courage, grace, and determination during five challenging years of treatment. Through it all, he was sustained by his deep love for Mary, Karen, and Colin. Even on difficult days, Peter found joy in small rituals—making pancake breakfasts, going to local farmers markets for oranges or riding his cart through Costco.

Peter made a “profound” sacrifice when doctors advised him to give up cycling for safety when he discovered the stationary bike at the gym.

Peter was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Joyce, and brothers-in-law, Charlie and Michael. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary; daughter, Karen Delaney; grandson, Colin Delaney; brothers Donald, Larry, and Paul; sister Diane; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He is also fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law Anne, Kay, Judy, and Sharon.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Hoag Hospital, who provided quality of life during his lengthy illness of multiple myeloma and then continued to provide excellent care surrounded by the Hoag Hospice at Home team.

Donations in Peter’s memory may be made to the Hoag Hospital Foundation, 330 Placentia Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92663.