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PETER CRONKITE Obituary
Rush, 22, died Sunday, April 26, 2015 in Waterville, ME. He took his own life. Peter was to have graduated from Colby College, as a Classics major, in May. Peter was graduated from St. Bernard's School in Manhattan and Horace Mann School in the Bronx. Peter was Sports Editor of the Colby Echo and co-captain of the Colby rugby team. His life on teams in school and area hockey leagues as a goalie was a great happiness in his life. As a Classics major he spent one summer course studying in Greece and another on an ancheological dig in Ostia, Italy. He was slated to receive the Foster Prize for excellence in his major. Last summer he worked for his beloved Mets team at Citi Field. He also worked during the 2012 Olympics for Sports Illustrated. Peter enjoyed tutoring at the Colby Writing Center for the past two years and coached youth hockey. Peter, an avid film enthusiast, was the voice of Dennis the Menace for an animated movie when he was nine years old. He will be missed by his many Martha's Vineyard friends. Peter is survived by his parents, Deborah Rush and Chip Cronkite, and his brother Walter Cronkite lV. The funeral service will be held Saturday, May 2, 11am, at the Church of the Heavenly Rest. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Colby College Men's Rugby Team.
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Memories and Condolences
for PETER CRONKITE
Sponsored by anonymous.
caitlin
April 22, 2025
Always in my heart.
J W Ford - Miami, Florida
January 12, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Peter you are greatly missed by everyone who knew you. RIP dear friend.
Arlene
April 22, 2021
Peter, you have missed some of the best and worst earthy times this past year. Hoping that your time in Heaven is all that one can hope for.
I think of you from time to time, but I know your Mom and Dad and Brother think of you often and wish you were here with them for the the celebrations and the tough times as well. Pray for us, Peter the world needs all the help it can get.
Neal Hurwitz
May 17, 2020
Too sad. So sorry.
Arlene Virga
April 22, 2020
Hey Peter, its been 5 years now. This year we ask for your prayers. Its tough down here right now. Covid -19 is making us sick, taking too many lives and creating a very scary economic future. Your turn to pray for us and tell the big man up there we need a vaccine. Finally, as a sports lover like you, I hope you are leading some competitive games in heaven. May by the only place playing right now.
Peace to my Cronkite friends.
Arlene Virga
April 22, 2019
Four years ago we lost a wonderful young man. Today I see his family on Face Book - Chip, Debbie and Walter and I know how much they miss Peter, but I am happy to see they are enjoying life, friends and each other. God Bless the Cronkite's. I'm happy to know them and wish them peace.
Mike OHanlon
April 22, 2019
We continue to mourn deeply the loss of Peter but remain grateful for his life and his spark and wit, and the joy he brought. With love, Mike and Cath, Lil and Grace
Ashley Clinton
February 14, 2019
Love and prayers for peace to your entire family. God bless
Ashley Turner Clinton
Charleston SC
March 11, 2018
❤
Patricia Curran Hulla
December 30, 2016
Dear Debbie,
I only just learned of the loss of your son. My heart is with you and will be in all the years ahead as you keep him close in your heart, soul and mind. Love and peace to you all. Though we are now in many different corners of the world, I know our St. E's classmates are always there supporting you in spirit.
caitlin bottoms newby
May 8, 2016
I love you Debbie.
You will always be in my heart,
caitlin bottoms
August 4, 2015
Dear Chip, Dear Deborah, Dear Walter IV, I am so sorry to learn of your grief over Petie's loss. I am so very sorry, stilled, and bowed. Mary Conway
Bonnie Stein
June 2, 2015
Dear Deborah and Chip,
It was today, at the NYC memorial for Michael, that I learned of the tragic death of your son, Peter. I wanted to say greetings to you and missed you today, so someone let me know why you were not there. How difficult it must be. I am so so sorry...
May his memory be a blessing; and may you find comfort in that love.
May 30, 2015
Dear chip, deborah, and wally, so sorry for your loss. love corinne elaine cronkite ouellette
Michael Riley
May 11, 2015
Dear Deborah,
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your son. You and your family are forever in my prayers.
(Deacon)Michael Riley, St. Patrick's classmate.
carol kane
May 8, 2015
Dear dearest Deborah, Chip, and Walter,
i just heard about Peter.
I wish you all the love and strength in this world ...
you are deep in my thoughts and heart,
with all my love,
Carol
Clemen
May 7, 2015
To the family of Peter Cronkite,
There are no words.
May god bless you and your family and give you strength.
I just lost my grandson 14 yrs old , April 15,2015, he also took his life.
This pain is the most horrible I have ever felt.
I don't know you, but I pray for you and your family.
RIP Peter.
Griffin and Amy Madden Taylor
May 6, 2015
I just somehow received this news have vivid memories of your darling boys from St. Bernard's days. Please accept our deepest condolences, and our prayers during this time of grieving. We are shocked and saddened and find the turns of life so difficult to understand.
Beth Herstein
May 5, 2015
I interviewed you for Talkin' Broadway when you were in Blithe Spirit, Deborah Rush, and you were such a pleasure -- warm, gracious, intelligent and kind. I was so sorry to read about your son. You and your family are in my thoughts. I wish you peace, love, strength, and wonderful memories of your son.
Adrienne Angel
May 5, 2015
Dearest Deborah -
Words fail me. I am so sad to hear of the loss of your son. I can only express the hope that you and your family will find comfort and strength in knowing he is at peace and in a better place. My most sincere condolences.
Valerie Lim
May 5, 2015
I met you, Deborah, and you, Chip, when Deborah was acting in a film in Pittsburgh many years ago. It was probably before Peter was born. You were the nicest couple and I'm so very sorry for your loss. Even after all these years and distance I was still saddened when I read this terrible news because you made such a nice impression on me. I can only imagine what a wonderful life you gave your son. I wish you all peace and the love of your family and friends in this very sad time.
Mary Anne Duffy McDermott
May 4, 2015
My deepest condolences for your terrible loss. My thought and prayers are with your family
May 4, 2015
My thoughts are with you. Very, very sorry to hear of your loss.
Scott Rudin
Narayan Mathrubutham
May 3, 2015
very sad to know of the loss. May you all find peace in one another. Thank You.
Eva Adams
May 3, 2015
To all the Cronkite Family,
I wish to express my sympathy to you over the loss of your dear Peter. I work at one of the dining halls Peter frequented at Colby and often saw him about. So many of the staff and students feel so sad that Peter has passed. His kindness will always be remembered. He was a wonderful young man. May God hold him close and may your memories of your son help to bring some comfort to you at this time, as well as the knowledge that Peter touched many in his life and they will remember him.
Kathy Pulda
May 3, 2015
To the Cronkite family,
I have never met you but my heart cries for you as you go through this diffecult time. I lost 2 cousins to suicide and the pain was devastating. I hope that time and the happy memories will help you in time.
May 3, 2015
Deborah, Chip and Walter,
Our sincerest condolences to your family. We have fond memories of our son Andy playing with the boys playing when they were all so young and lived in the same house on 85th Street. Our hearts to out to you.
The Jones family.
Robin Solod
May 3, 2015
He did so much in his short life.
He's at peace now making a different journey. How blessed you were to have his love for this period.
martha littlefield
May 3, 2015
I wish to give the comfort and love your family has given the world. No greater sorrow is their than losing a son,brother,best friend,and confidant. I can only pray in the years to come the wonderful memories you all shared can ease some of the pain. May God be with you.
Joe F.
May 3, 2015
Sincerest condolences to the Cronkite family on the tragic loss of Mr. Cronkite. I uphold the family in my thoughts and heart.
The Purvin Family
May 2, 2015
Words can't express the sadness we feel at the loss of Peter in the lives of the Cronkites. Peter will always be remembered by us as that cute little toe-headed boy at St. Bernards who had mischief in his eyes and a heart of gold. RIP Peter, you sweet man.
Laura Tillsley
May 2, 2015
I taught tennis to Walter and Peter at Edgartown Yacht Club back when they were young. Both boys were always kind and I remember Peter's smile and infectious laugh. You are all in my thoughts and I'm so sorry for your loss.
Ken Herts
May 1, 2015
Chip, I'm so sad to hear of your loss. I hope in time your memories of the times you had with Peter will be a comfort. My sincere condolences and deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
May 1, 2015
My heart goes out to all of you....please accept my very sincere condolences and love.
Joyce Hall
Jennifer Hardy
May 1, 2015
For Peter's family: I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope Peter has found peace and that you all will have fond memories of his life and gifts to you.
Brian Murray
May 1, 2015
I have just your horrible news and I am deeply grieved for you, Deborah and Chip. I wish that could write something wise and remotely comforting...I can only pray you eventually to find peaceful way of coming to terms with this shocking loss. My deep love always, Brian
May 1, 2015
Deb and Chip:
You and your family are in our prayers. Deb, your parents' deep faith will comfort you.
I worked alongside your dad at the Newark Evening News in the 1960s. I'm now looking over his kind words to me in his great book, Final Edition. My friend Joe would be so proud of Peter. Keep Peter's story of success alive!
Sincerely,
Jim Lowney,
Toms River, NJ
Scott Chamberland
May 1, 2015
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Heide Schmaltz Dolan
May 1, 2015
As a Colby grad and a mother of a current Colby senior, your son Peter's death has left a deep mark on my heart. My daughter Megan studied film with Pete and is a fellow editor for the Echo. She has shared many happy reflections of him and what he meant to the Colby family. He impacted so many people positively and will be missed greatly. The willows surrounding Johnson Pond weep in sorrow. May you find solace in these hard days knowing strangers are grieving with you and praying for your family. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Norman Morris
May 1, 2015
Chip,
We've never met. I had the privilege of knowing and working with your dad for many years. Words cannot express my shock and sadness. My thoughts are with you and the entire family.
Srilekha Nayak
May 1, 2015
Dear Cronkite Family,
I have no adequate words to express my sorrow and offer my condolence to you. My son is at Colby too, thousands of miles away from us. We are all completely shaken. May God gives you the strength to deal with this terrible loss. It is difficult to imagine what you are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
William Riley
May 1, 2015
So sorry for your loss
May 1, 2015
With our whole hearts we join you. Our love and prayers for your strength and for Peter. We trust that in time you will feel Peter eternally present and be consoled by the memory of this star of a young man.
Margaret and Dominique
Edward Panek
May 1, 2015
Chip, I have not seen you since our days of driving taxi for Jon in good ol Edgartown back in the day, I am so very sorry for this terrible loss to youre family that no words can help. Thinking of you and sending prayers out to you at this beyond difficult time. Peace Brother.
Marie Frederick
May 1, 2015
Incredibly sad. Many tears & prayers right now.
Robert Krattli
April 30, 2015
Dear Chip, Deborah, and Walter,
Having lost my first son to suicide, I know there are no words which can lessen your pain. Nevertheless, I pray that you find the strength to redouble your committment to those whom Peter left behind.
April 30, 2015
So very sorry to hear this horrible news. Such a nice looking young man and so much going on in his life. I didn't know him, just a longtime viewer and fan of his Grandpa. We wonder why someone who seems so happy and accomplished would do such a thing, but it happens, sadly. Many times, the person is depressed and anxious all the time, while trying to live up to what people's high expectations of them are. With that Grandpa, you can see why maybe his need to overachieve came about, while not feeling inside that he measures up. RIP
Peter and Antonio
Carlos, Gisela and Antonio Padula
April 30, 2015
Dear Deborah and Chip;
Since we heard of Peter"s passing we have had you in our thoughts. We pray that you find the strengh to face this sad moment, We are sure that from above Peter will look after all of you and with time all these desconsolate times will disapear and his presence will reamain in all the love and joy that you shared within the family. Peter will allways be present in our hearts. His friendship with Antonio and the happy times that they shared will stay with us forever. We accompany and pray for you with all our heart. Carlos, Gisela and Antonio Padula
Becca Cunningham Weiss '84
April 30, 2015
Although we never knew Peter, he sounds like a lovely person who added so much to all of the communities he lived in. I cannot imagine the depth of your sorrow and that of those who knew him. My husband and three daughters and I attend or graduated from Colby and Peter's legacy is deeply felt on that hill in Maine. Our deepest, most sincere sympathies are with you all. May you find comfort in the days to come.
Childhood friends,Peter and Antonio Padula
Gisela Padula
April 30, 2015
Teri Robinson
April 30, 2015
We have such fond memories of your darling boy back when Petey and my son Jake played Yorkville baseball together in second grade. I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss and wish you comfort and peace.
Barry Edelstein
April 30, 2015
To Deborah, Chip, and all the family, my deepest condolences. I am so saddened to hear this terrible news, and I send you all my good energies and wishes.
Cathy Garland
April 30, 2015
I am left bereft of words of solace for such unfathomable grief. My heart is with you all. I do so wish I had the privilege to get to know Peter, as I have his wonderful brother. Reading the tributes, he sounds like a most terrific friend and great human being.
Barbara Goodman
April 30, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Your family was there for all of us growing up, please know millions of strangers are thinking of you.
A Fellow Brunonian 1978
April 30, 2015
Youth can be a time of fragility, angst, and unknowable capriciousness. Every sentient parent of college students knows this and worries. It can happen to any family at anytime. May the redeemer provide your family all the comfort you require.
Anne Cutler
April 30, 2015
Dear Deborah, Chip and Walter,
We are so sorry and sad about the loss of your beloved Peter. Your loss breaks all of our hearts. We are thinking of you now and in the days and weeks ahead. With love from the Cutler family.
April 30, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear this, Pete was a pleasure to have in class at Colby - always the voice of reason and a major contributor to our discussions about film and literature. He was beloved by all and will be truly missed, but never forgotten.
Annie
April 30, 2015
Rush-Cronkite Family, Peace be with you! I'm so sorry. I'm praying for Peter and your family.
April 30, 2015
My prayer are with you Debbie, Chip, and Walter. I think you all know How much I loved Pete at Grand Slam Baseball Camp. Rest in peace Pete!
Aasha and Inder Gopal
April 30, 2015
Dear Deborah and Chip,
We were extremely saddened to hear of your loss. Inder and I have very fond memories of your family, the children, your golden retriever playing with Hobbs (our Cairn Terrier) as your neighbors. This news affected us very deeply, having lived side by side with you all. You must be devastated and we feel helpless in not being able to offer any words of comfort other than to please accept our sincere condolences.
The Gopal family
April 30, 2015
So sad.....RIP
Ronald Sherr
April 30, 2015
Dear Deborah, Chip and Walter,
I was devastated to hear of Peter's passing, and I am at a complete loss to find words adequate to express my heartfelt sorrow and sympathy. Truthfully, I cannot imagine what you are all going through right now-
I remember Petey so well from St. B's... and like so many others, will miss him dearly.
If there is anything at all that I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask; I will be at the Church of Heavenly Rest Saturday morning.
Wishing all the Cronkites strength and fortitude at this difficult time-
With much love, Ron Sherr
April 30, 2015
Sad news - "All that we love deeply becomes part of us"-Helen Keller
Craig Ware-Indianapolis IN
Susan Jimenez
April 30, 2015
God rest his soul in His arms for ever! RIP Angel of God
Alisha
April 30, 2015
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Anne Pontbriand
April 30, 2015
Deepest sympathies to your family.
maeve kenny
April 30, 2015
Dear Cronkite Family,
We knew each other years ago when Katha Diddel Warren and your kids went to school together. I am so sorry for your incredible and deep loss.No words can help but we send our deepest prayers for your family. And I know that Katha will be Peter's guardian from here on out.
Maeve Kenny
April 30, 2015
Sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts.-Beverly and Jon Ward
Monica shaw
April 30, 2015
My condolences to Peters family and friends R.I.P
April 30, 2015
There are simply no words that we can offer to ease your pain. My mother and I are terribly sorry for your tragic loss. We think of you and your fabulous family frequently and all of the good times that our parents enjoyed together. You and your family are always in our thoughts and hearts.
Love, Isobel & Jennifer Konecky
John Pitts
April 30, 2015
Sincere condolences and acknowledgement of the depths of grief and pain that you are experiencing. I, too, lost a college boy just three years ago. There are many ways to endure. Godspeed. Catharsis. Fortitude.
rose dufault
April 30, 2015
One will never understand the why but Remember him for who he was !
RIP Peter! forever at God s side!
Lili Maliner
April 30, 2015
So sorry for the loss of your son. Prayers for your Family.
Nancy Webster
April 30, 2015
There are simply no words for the loss of such a loved and accomplished son and brother. He will be missed and will be remembered.
Barbara Alfond
April 30, 2015
To the Cronkite Family:
I happened to be on campus Monday afternoon, and saw first hand how deeply affected members of faculty and staff were by the loss of such a vibrant member of the Colby family. Peter leaves a legacy not only on the playing field , but in the classroom, on the Echo staff, in the film society and throughout the campus. Please know that we join so many others in sharing your sorrow and in celebrating Peter's life.
Angeli Castillo
April 30, 2015
I didn't know Peter, but my heart goes out to the family. I can't even begin to imagine what you're facing right now. All I can say is that suicide is a problem is this country. My husband committed suicide knowing he had a 15 year old son at the time. They are struggling with things in their mind that to them seems it seems at the time that no one can help them. At the time of their decision to do this very courageous act, because you must have courage to do this, they are not thinking of how others will be impacted by their decision to take their life. They are making an "At this moment decision" What they are feeling at the moment they decide to do this. My son suffered terribly when his father took his life, but with counseling and prayer, thank God he is doing a lot better. I pray that the Lord will comfort you and take away your pain as time goes by. Wishing you peace, love, joy and above all "Love". Because love conquers all.
April 30, 2015
I of course did not know Rush but I feel sad that for whatever reasons he took his life....Sara Keegan lakeville, ma
April 30, 2015
My condolences to the family. Colby '90
April 30, 2015
Dear Cronkite Family;
My heart is saddened to read about your son's death. I don't know you personally or anyone connected to your family with the exception of growing up with your dad in my livingroom everynight.
I am from upstate NY and deal with Family Loss for a living and just happened to see your name and your father's name Walter Cronkite. I felt the need to reach out so that you know people like myself are deeply moved by thought of your pain. I too have a young adult son, 18 and this tragedy scares me for all young people with the pressures, etc they fight today. Death of any kind is so painful but most can not know the pain you are feeling. I hope all the love you have for Peter,the love of others and the love he gave to others helps you through this time. Time does not fade the pain it only puts distance between it. My prayers of comfort and peace for all of you.
Yvonne Nirelli
Canastota,NY
April 30, 2015
The Colby community stands with your family in sadness but also in joyful reflection upon Peter's many contributions to Colby and all those around him.
Patricia Reilly
April 30, 2015
Deb, It's your St. Pat's friend Patty R. I'm so very, very sorry. All my love to you and your family.
Debra Fry
April 30, 2015
Sorry for your loss. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and comfort you in the days ahead.
dotty ali
April 29, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Rev. Michael Tueth, S.J.
April 29, 2015
Dear Deborah,
What a difficult time of loss this has been for you. You will be in my prayers for quite a while now. Please surround yourself with the many who love you and remember both Michael and Peter with such affection.
Danny O'Gallagher
April 29, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I remember Peter fondly from his Yorkville sports days, as he played baseball with such joy and was a friend to all. God Bless.
John and Sandy Hill
April 29, 2015
Dear Chip, Deborah, and Walter,
So sorry for your loss of your son and brother, Peter. He accomplished so much and made a positive impression on so many people. Our thoughts are with you.
Marilyn Fifer
April 29, 2015
My deepest sympathy and prayers are offered on the passing of your beloved Peter. May you find comfort in cherished memories and may his life be an inspiration to all whose lives he touched. I was an avid fan of his grandfather; I do not know the Cronkite family personally, yet it broke my heart hearing this sad news.
Julie Friske
April 29, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know it is not your fault as it may seem he had something that was making him ill enough to take his life. He Loved you very much. I am a suiside survivor and both my maternal Grand fathe and paternalGreat grandfather took there live as well as one of my cousin's. I blamed my self for my cousins for years as did my grand father for his dad and my mom for her's It is an illness that need no more explanaton you are a great mom and dad please send this to his friends too. It is no more there fault than thier's!much Love Prayers and Blessing's Ms Julie Friske I am on FB if you want to talk with me!
April 29, 2015
Our thoughts and prayer are with you, Patricia and Michael Gaydos
Marilyn Pennell
April 29, 2015
Dear Deborah and Family,
My deepest sympathies to you on the death of you son. Though it has been many years since our college days in Boston, I think of you often and send you love and prayers.
Marilyn (DeAngelis) Pennell
April 29, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy to the Cronkite family as you grieve the loss of your beloved son, Peter. How sad to lose someone so loved and so needed. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another. (Jeremiah 29:12,13)
April 29, 2015
I am a Colby Alum '76. I am crying right now. I hope Peter is at peace, and I send his family my prayers.
Avis Franklin-Grant
April 29, 2015
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Continued prayers for the family...
God Bless!
Susie Breeden
April 29, 2015
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Prayers are with you.
Betty Clark
April 29, 2015
My deepest sympathies to Peter's family.
Denise Kneeland
April 29, 2015
Deb and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. My daughter is a Colby graduate. May the love, support and prayers of friends and family get you through. Sincerely, Denise (Gallo) Kneeland (St. Elizabeth's)
Ann
April 29, 2015
I am so sorry for your tragic and unexpected loss. I recently lost my brother to suicide and know what a suicide loss feels like; seeing my parents and making me an only child. There are no words. I do listen to 'why' by rascall flatts a bit too much and my brain is in a fog and denial. There is a great organization AFSP that I learned about after reading about Robin Williams. There truely are no words after a suicide loss. God bless you and you family.
Michael Futterman
April 29, 2015
The entire Futterman family sends their love and prayers on Peter's untimely death. We have the fondest memories of St. David's vs. St. Bernard's hockey, years ago, with Peter in one goal and Lenny in the other. Words cannot adequately express the magnitude of the loss. Our thoughts remain with you all. Michael M. Futterman
Michael Futterman
April 29, 2015
The entire Futterman family sends their love and prayers on Peter's untimely death. We have the fondest memories of St. David's vs. St. Bernard's hockey, years ago, with Peter in one goal and Lenny in the other. Words cannot adequately express the magnitude of the loss. Our thoughts remain with you all. Michael M. Futterman
deb manegold
April 29, 2015
As a mother of a Colby senior my thoughts are with you for the tragic loss of your son.
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