Obituary of Peter M. Zobre

Peter Zobre, 91, peacefully entered into eternal life on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 surrounded by family members. 

Pete was born in 1931, at home in Rotterdam Junction on the family farm, where his love for animals, especially horses, and respect for nature, first began. 

Pete attended Henry Ellers Grade School and Woestina High School. After high school Pete drove livestock to markets and worked the family farm. Pete was a jack of all trades, and could fix or build anything. 

He was drafted during the Korean War in 1952, and stationed in Germany until 1954. During his time in the service he learned how to play the guitar, yodel, and use the harmonica. His family delighted in these skills at family gatherings when he would bring out the guitar, his brother would play the accordion, and loved ones would join in to create a hootenanny of sounds.   Honorably discharged in 1954, Pete continued serving the country at the Army Depots in Rotterdam and Voorheesville, which stored ammunition and military vehicles during the Cold War.  In the 1950’s he enjoyed volunteering at rodeos, Frosty Acres and Dusty Boots. 

Pete worked various jobs for the government as a mechanic and firefighter. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1986 as a mechanic and body shop expert. After retirement he worked at the Mohawk Golf Club repairing lawn mowers. During retirement he was most happy fixing and remodeling classic cars with friends, tinkering in his garage repairing small motors,  building wooden toy barns in his workshop, and spending time spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandson with love and attention. 

Pete leaves us all a legacy of love. With his incredible sense of humour, and kindness, he modeled this love to his family and friends through his actions. Pete would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it. You could call him at any hour, day or night, to come to your rescue.  Those who were privileged to know him, loved him. He was an adopted dad, grandpa, or uncle for many. Pete’s door was always open for a meal, a talk, or a safe haven for anyone who needed it. His property was a wildlife sanctuary for birds, rabbits, foxes, groundhogs, and deer, as living creatures could sense his tender loving kindness. 

A highlight of his day was breakfast at either the Burnt Hills Cafe or the Glenville Queen, where he made friends, and was known as a generous tipper.  To his grandchildren, he was a hero. Those who knew him would describe him as tough as nails, a straight-shooter, funny, loyal, and loving.  He was able to put aside politics and focus on friendship. He leaves behind the lesson of how to be a great friend. Pete demonstrated respect for our country, and fellow Americans regardless of differences in opinions and beliefs, as well as, a mindset to think about the greater good, over self. 

Pete was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mary (Czeslusniak) Zobre, his beloved wife, Arlene (Guyette) Zobre, whom he married on February 20, 1955, and his brothers John Zobre, Joseph Zobre, and sister Frances Pawlowski. 

He is survived by daughters Mary (Richard) Rainey, June (Anthony) Kmonk, Stepson Bruce (Karin) Baker, grandchildren Susan (Zachary) Rainey-Wills, Charles Rainey, Michael Zobre, great-grandson Preston Wills, and many nieces, nephews, and good friends. 

Services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at The Glenville Funeral Home. 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville, NY 12302

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours from 9:00 am-11:00 am, which will be followed by a celebration of Pete’s life from 11:00-12:00 where stories, prayers, and poems will be shared by family and friends. 

The family is mindful of this 2022-2023 COVID-19/RSV/Flu season and kindly requests that you follow the CDC guidelines and zoom in to the celebration of life if you have any symptoms of illness. The family is requesting that all visitors wear a high quality N95 or KN95 mask at The Glenville Funeral Home. Masks will be provided at the door if a mask is needed. Pete dedicated his life to protecting his loved ones and would want to ensure the health and safety of all celebrating his life. 

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85059629315?pwd=MmkyMUpva1FpdUt4cnJpZTNyWkwrQT09

Memorial Contributions may be made in Pete’s memory to: Peaceful Acres Horses, a sanctuary for people and horses. By mail to: 3740 Rynex Corners Road, Pattersonville, NY 12137 or online at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org Or  Community Hospice Foundation: Online, by Phone: (518) 482-4433, or by Mail:  Make checks payable to The Community Hospice and send to: The Community Hospice Foundation 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208. 

Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com