Peter T. Muller

1928 - 2013

Peter T. Muller
May 10, 1928-Feb 20, 2013
Resident of Orinda
Peter Muller, 84, passed away peacefully at his longtime home in Orinda, Wednesday, February 20th. Peter amazingly fought off a number of medical events before his body would no longer support his spirit. He was a great inspiration to all those who knew him, even while enduring his physical challenges these past few years.
A fourth generation Bay Area resident, Peter was born May 10, 1928 in Berkeley. He grew up in Oakland graduating from Oakland Tech High School and later enrolled as an undergraduate at U.C. Berkeley. The Korean War interrupted his academic pursuits, but he later returned to finalize his degree at Armstrong Business School in Oakland. After marrying his college sweetheart, Elizabeth Craig, in 1951, and after a short stay in Pleasant Hill, they moved to Orinda in 1957.
Most of Peter's working career was in the construction industry. After graduating from college, he worked with his father, Hugo, and built many of the apartment buildings located today in North Oakland and Berkeley. Later in his career, Peter transitioned to an executive position within the largest general contractor association in the country. He was responsible for managing the East Bay office and interacted and supported various member-contractors.
After retiring, Peter continued many varied interests. He was a longtime Rotarian and was a charter member of the North Oakland-Emeryville chapter. He was active in a variety of local boards, especially in Orinda and Contra Costa County. Peter was one of the citizens responsible for establishing the Orinda Community Center, helped Orinda incorporate and was very active in attending countless City Council meetings over the years.
Other interests included extensive traveling with Elizabeth to all corners of the world. He was an amazing fly fisherman (always catching more than his son!), enjoyed rehabilitating homes in some under privileged neighborhoods of Oakland and Richmond and was a former president and active member of the Diablo Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association.
Peter is survived by Elizabeth, his wife of 62 years, and his children, Alison Muller of Martinez, Craig Muller of Moraga and Libby Lacativo of Castro Valley. He is also survived by his brother Phillip, who resides in Lodi, CA and two grandchildren. A service celebrating Peter's wonderful life will be held on March 24th from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Lafayette Veteran's Memorial Center. If you were a friend or associate of Peter's we hope you can join us. Donations in Peter's memory may be made to Hospice of the East Bay.