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Princeton University

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Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home

9902 Braddock Road

Fairfax, Virginia

PETER BLANK Obituary

Peter Lawrence Blank (Age 63)
Passed away peacefully on November 7, 2017 at his home in Annandale, VA with his family at his side after a two and a half year courageous battle with cancer. Peter was born on October 19, 1954 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of the late Samuel and Adele Roberts Blank. He was predeceased by a half-brother. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Georgiann Williams Blank, beloved daughter, Beth, of Philadelphia, PA, brother in law, Joseph Williams of Houston, TX, cousins and many friends.He was a graduate of Princeton University, Delaware Law School and Georgetown University Law Center with a L.L.M. in Taxation. He was employed for 34 years by The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. and was editor of the Kiplinger Tax Letter for 16 years.Peter was a devoted husband, father, son, and friend and lifelong Philadelphia sports fan. He enjoyed vacationing in Maine with his family. Peter was a long-time member of the National Press Club. He was an avid runner and race walker and won three Senior Olympic race walking medals. He was the treasurer and relay coordinator of the Potomac Valley Track Club. He had more pleasure watching the relay teams he coordinated win, than winning himself. Of the teams that he put together, one set seven American records and four world records. Peter will be remembered for his fortitude, willingness to help others, hearty laugh, and aptitude for numbers. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9 at 11 a.m. at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032.Memorial contributions may be made to Capital Caring Hospice Services at https://www.capitalcaring.org/ways-to-give/ .

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Published by The Washington Post on Nov. 14, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for PETER BLANK

14 Entries

Frederick Smith

November 15, 2025

Peter attended our Thanksgiving Pie Run at Gerstell Academy in Finksburg Maryland for years in a row. He was such a wonderful fellow and always won a pie or two. Warm regards to his family.

Nelson Erlick

November 8, 2023

It's hard to believe it's been 6 years. I keep a photo of the 6 of us (Pete & Georgiann, John and Kerry, and Cheryl and I) when we stayed at the Kiplinger house in Florida on the mantle in our new house (in Georgetown, DE). I see it every day. Sometimes you don't realize how precious a moment can be. I do miss Pete--especially his patented "time out" when he formed a "T" with his arms. I like to think of Pete as just being away somewhere instead of gone.

John Kostenbauder

December 7, 2017

Words cannot adequately express the feeling of loss being experienced by Peter's passing. I knew Peter since the mid-70's and shared many special moments with him on the track, at baseball games, and at many get togethers along with Georgiann and Beth. He was a great support to me both personally and professionally. I will miss his passion, his wit and insights on everything from sports, politics and running to life in general.

John Wright

December 6, 2017

So very sorry to hear of Peter's passing. Peter and I were classmates at The Haverford School for 7 years, and then roomed together for three years at Princeton. I have many vivid memories of Peter, but chief among them are his facility with math and his love of sports (and the statistics that go with them). He was a great fan of Philadelphia sports teams - particularly the Flyers. Freshman year, we watched the Flyers clinch a playoff berth for the first time. He was ecstatic. They announced that playoff tickets would go on sale the next morning. Without hesitation, he pulled clothes on over his pajamas, took the train to Philly, and camped out all night outside the Spectrum waiting for the ticket booths to open. While he waited, he helped a Philadelphia cop with math homework. He later learned to skate just enough to play goalie for his club's intramural hockey team. He made up in guts what he lacked in grace. So sorry we didn't see him back at reunions at either school, but it sounds as though he was fully immersed in a happy and productive life. To his family and friends I offer my sincere condolences. He was a good guy of great character who will be missed.

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December 2, 2017

Always in our hearts.

November 26, 2017

To the family, I am sorry to hear the news about your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61:1,2 *

Nelson Erlick

November 20, 2017

Pete was a close friend for 41 years, but I feel like I've lost a brother. Some of the funniest times of my life were with him. People like Pete don't come along often in life. I will miss him.

Amy Funk

November 19, 2017

It was a pleasure and an honor to run with Peter. I could count on seeing him twice each year, on New Years Day and in November at Gerstell's Pie Run. What a positive person and inspiring athlete! May he rest in peace!

Fred Smith

November 19, 2017

I met Peter when he came tp Gerstell Academy in Finksburg, Maryland a private school I started. ~16 years ago he appeared on campus to run in a 5K race. He fell in love with our school and every year hence he would arrive with a smile on his face, positive words for those he met, and win a pie. Those that won their age group would win a pie. All entrance fees would go to a local charity. Today we had our race and no Peter!!! WE had a moment of silence on his behalf as we learned of his passing today, race day, Sunday the 19th of November. He became a person we all looked for each year and we will miss his presence. In the later years he would bring his daughter and they would run together. Now she is a mature adult. All members of our school who knew Peter are saddened and we plan on naming our 5k portion of the event after Peter.
Our greater community has lost a highly successful, intelligent, humble, brave,loving father, husband, friend and human being who loved to RUN and the ramifications of the sport. WE express our sincere condolences for all those that knew and loved Peter.

Barbara Marcus

November 19, 2017

Georgiann, Beth and family: I had the pleasure of working at Kiplinger with Peter for the past 24 years. Several years ago he recruited me to be the "captain" of the Kip Walkers team we sent to the annual ACLI charity run. Ever after, he'd greet me in the hall with that famous Blank grin and the words, "Morning, Captain." It was always a nice way to start the day. I can't think of anyone I've worked with who was kinder and sunnier. He will be missed.

Jo Dill

November 15, 2017

I was so sorry to hear about Peter's death. He came to Maine to compete in the senior games and helped many athletes with the race walk and the power walk. He will be greatly missed by athletes and volunteers from the Maine Senior Games.

Ray Gildea

November 14, 2017

Peter managed to touch my life as a longtime member of one of the several national relay teams he captained over the years. He always seemed to bring out the very best in those of us who witnessed & shared his enthusiasm as a senior athlete.

While Peter was widely known as a fierce competitor, he was also an indefatigable advocate and faithful supporter of those of us who were fortunate enough to call him 'friend'. In the athletic arena, where we knew him best, his work ethic, kindness, civility, grace, and good humor, especially when suffering setbacks, gave him a stature among his peers that we must now each aspire to emulate.

Two Scriptures come to mind. The prophet, Isaiah, (40: 30-31), said:
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord, will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint.

The Apostle Paul writing to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:7-8) said:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

November 14, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Blank on his passing indeed sorry for your loss.please take comfort in knowing that Peter is not in pain anymore.Ecc.9:5.

November 14, 2017

My condolences to the family. May the peace of God and the fond memories you cherish comfort and sustain you in your time of need.
-RM

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