Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Peter Gudaitis Obituary
Peter G. Gudaitis, 53, of Charlottesville, died on Wednesday, August 17, 2011.
He was born on January 24, 1958, in Arizona, the son of Betty Johnston Gudaitis and the late Charles Bernard Gudaitis.
Peter was an audiophile, music lover, naturalist, friend to cats, electronics genius, Phd biologist, motor sports enthusiast, avid golfer wannabe, but mostly a kind, loyal, immensely perceptive individual heavy of intellect and imminently funny.
He earned a Phd from Medical University of South Carolina.
In addition to his mother, Betty Johnston, he is survived by his wife, Barbara Kurth Gudaitis; a brother, Charles Gudaitis and his wife, Paula, of Slidell, Louisiana; a sister, Sarah and her husband, Bill Fornadel, of SanDiego, California; a nephew, Charlie Gudaitis of Slidell, Louisiana; two nieces, Laura Fornadel of San Diego, California and Erin Fornadel of Charleston, South Carolina.
A private family memorial service in celebration of Peter will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Committee for Missing Children, 242 Stone Mountain Street, Lawrenceville, GA, 30045.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kim Keech
August 15, 2012
Though I never met Peter and haven't seen Barbara for years & years, I am friends with Barbara's sister, Gillian. I was so sorry to hear of Peter's sudden passing. I wish her and her family wonderful memories.
Rick Major
September 7, 2011
To Barbara and the rest of Pete's family, I offer my sincerest condolences. I was also a co-worker and friend of Pete's from Value America. Peter was an intelligent and funny soul. I wish I could offer something insightful and thoughtful but I'm at a loss. Pete was a good person and the world has lost a great soul. Take care Peter, you will be missed.
Fred Kurth
August 27, 2011
The world has lost a down-to-earth, brillint, loving, caring individual whom we shall all miss greatly; my son-in-law. May he rest in peace.
August 24, 2011
Betty: We are so sorry for your loss. We still have two pieces of Peter's artwork from high school. We bought one at the year-end art sale and the other was given to us by Mr. Gudaitis. Peter had such great talent. Liz Young (formerly of MUSC with Mr. Gudaitis)
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Robin Johnston Lobban
August 23, 2011
Barbara, Sarah, Chas and Aunt Betty, I was so sorry to hear about Peter. Those that are so special to us seem so hard to say good-bye. Lean on your family and friends during this time, they will hold you up. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
August 23, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. We'll keep you all in our prayers, and please let us know if you need anything. Larry Ganz and Lori Johnston Ganz.
Kitty Alphonse
August 23, 2011
Barbara, we were so saddened to read of Peter's passing. We have such wonderful memories of our Guidaitis neighbors. Now that Betty is in California we haven't had the opportunity to visit with all of you. If you're ever in Charleston you are welcomed to stay with us.
Lena Garrison
August 23, 2011
Barbara, Sarah and family. My prayers are with you. May you be blest with many wonderful and happy memories.
Dean & Billy Smith
August 23, 2011
Barbara; Sarah and family,
We were so sorry to read about Peter's passing. Our prayers are with all of you during this time. You will have those wonderful memories of Peter for many years to come. God Bless all of you.
Kim Keech
August 22, 2011
Barbara, I was so sorry to hear from Gillian about your husband, Peter's passing especially at such a young age. He sounded like a great guy & I'm sure you will miss him terribly. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Kim Keech
August 22, 2011
Thinking of you all with love and prayers. Peter was such an interesting and talented person. We are sorry for you loss.
Nancy and Jim Berulis
Wanda Crawford
August 22, 2011
Barbara, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Callen Molenda
August 22, 2011
Barbara and Sarah and family, I am so very sorry to hear this. Know that you are in my prayers.
Patrick McNamara
August 21, 2011
I remember our first trip to the Southwestern Research Station of the American Museum of Natual History in Portal, AZ - the place Peter and Charlie visited as children with their Dad who told the story of this wondrous place of scientists studying earth science, bugs, critters, rare birds and plant life. They introduced us to the founder of the Station, Dr. Mont Cazier, who told us about the history of the clearing upon which the Station was built - largely by him and other volunteer scientists - by hand and with great love.
I remember the first night - the sky was peppered with more stars than I ever had seen from my MidWest home-town yard...and I stayed up all night with my silly, cheap 35mm camera, taking 72 time-exposure shots. Peter stayed out there all night with me in the chill October air, keeping me company - and we talked about everything.
I got home and processed all the rolls of film - not a one of the 72 "moon & star shots" came out...all black as a Chicago night sky. But I can still hear Peter's laugh.
Saguaro National Park outside Tucson - October 1990 - L to R - Peter Gudaitis, Charlie Gudaitis, Rick Bright, Pat McNamara
Patrick McNamara
August 21, 2011
Ted Corcoran
August 21, 2011
Very sorry to hear. Pete was a colleague of mine at Value America. Every day was another opportunity to enjoy the talented people we worked with, make headway in a start-up, and howl at the absurdity and idiocy that surrounded us. We had a grand time.
Paula Gudaitis
August 21, 2011
Barbara and Chas, I am very sorry this has happened. We will all reunite in the Chiricahuas.
Kristy Harvey
August 21, 2011
Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kristy
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Peter Gudaitis's name
People and places connected with Peter
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Peter's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Peter Gudaitis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored