Peter J. Buchheit, 67, of Bradford, passed away, Sunday, April 17, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer.
Born June 2, 1954, in St. Marys, he was the son of the late Earl and Agnes (Rettger) Buchheit.
On September 20, 1980, in St. Francis of Assisi Church in Bradford, he married Karen (Niemic) Buchheit, who survives.
He attended St. Marys Parochial School and Elk County Catholic High School in St. Marys. He received his associate's degree in construction technology from Williamsport Area Community College and his bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Pete retired in June 2020 after 41 years of service as director of facilities management at the University of Pittsburgh Bradford and Titusville campuses. In addition to overseeing the upkeep of Pitt-Bradford’s buildings and grounds, Pete supervised the construction and/or major renovations of many campus buildings during his career including Hanley Library, Blaisdell Hall, Richard E. and Ruth McDowell Sport and Fitness Center, Swarts Hall, Frame-Westerberg Commons, Kessel Athletic Complex, Wick Chapel, Marilyn Horne Hall and seven residence halls.
In 2008 the University of Pittsburgh honored Pete as one of four university-wide recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the Community in recognition for his wide-ranging volunteerism to community and professional associations. Prior to his career at Pitt Pete was Director of Health and Building Inspection for the City of Bradford, a position to which he was appointed at age 20
Pete was very actively involved with two key professional associations during his career, the Keystone Association of Physical Plant Administrators (KAPPA) and the Eastern Regional Association of Physical Plant Administrators (ERAPPA), serving on the boards and in officer positions for both organizations. Pete served as the treasurer for KAPPA and was the KAPPA representative to the ERAPPA Membership Committee before being elected to two terms as the Vice President for Chapter Affairs. Pete co-chaired the ERAPPA 2019 Annual Meeting in Erie. In 2012 Pete received APPA’s Unsung Hero Award – an award given to a worthy individual who works tirelessly for his/her region, chapter and/or the profession. He also received multiple appreciation and merit awards from both groups for his many contributions to the organizations’ success.
Pete was an active community volunteer for several organizations. While serving on the board of directors of the Bradford Family YMCA, Pete guided the organization through a $4 million renovation and expansion project. Later he assisted with merger of the Bradford and Olean (NY) YMCAs to create the YMCA of the Twin Tiers. He served on the YMCA of the Twin Tiers Foundation board of directors He assisted CARE for Children with construction planning of their new building, the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center, which opened in 2013. He served on the board of directors of Journey Health Systems.
Pete was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and served for more than 20 years on the parish finance council. He helped the church and parish school with two major building projects. He received the Knighthood of St. Gregory the Great—the highest honor a lay person can receive from the Roman Catholic Church.
Pete was a member of the Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department for almost 20 years, serving in a number of positions, including president, station captain and treasurer.
He also was a member of the Bradford Club and the Pennhills Club.
Pete spent many years supporting local youth sports teams and theater groups when his two daughters were growing up. He was a certified swim official at YMCA and worked local, regional and state swim meets; assisted with cross country, track, swimming and volleyball sports boosters; and helped construct sets for local theater productions.
He loved spending time with his brothers and cousins at their hunting and fishing camps, traveling with his family, and golfing with friends locally and in Florida.
During his 18-month-long fight against pancreatic cancer Pete participated in a clinical trial at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh to help find a better treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 41 years are his two daughters, whom he cherished, Marissa Buchheit (Alex Negle) and Jessica Buchheit (Ryan Gumbita), both of Pittsburgh; 10 brothers and sisters, Kathleen Lecker of St. Marys, Janet Hopkins of Fairview, Pauline Buchheit of Lancaster, Tom (Karen) Buchheit of Cogan Station, Joe (Judy) Buchheit of Bryan, TX, Sally Buchheit of Leola, Ron Buchheit of Bradford, Jeff (Tina) Buchheit of St. Marys, Christopher Buchheit of Vancouver, WA, and Mike Buchheit of St. Marys; and many nieces and nephews.
Those who preceded him in death included his parents and a special brother-in-law, Mike Lecker.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, April 21, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 33 South Ave., and again on Friday in St. Bernard Church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Leo Gallina celebrant. The Mass will be streamed live at https://youtube.com/channel/UCEFoz8SzV_JtZ8c8zT5fspw Committal services and burial will follow in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Pete and Karen Buchheit Family Fund (which will help fight pancreatic cancer among other causes) at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, 301 N. Union St., Suite 203, Olean, NY 14760, or online at www.cattfoundation.org or to the Peter J. Buchheit Legacy Scholarship Fund at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com