Peter Westbrook

In loving memory of Peter from my daughter Arabella who began at The Peter Westbrook Foundation at the age of ten, attended and coached at PWF right through the pandemic and, thanks to Peter and PWF, went on to become an All American womens' saber fencer at the University of Pennsylvania. Thank you, Peter, for the years of guidance and love. -- Amanda Uhry

I hung out with the fencers during 1972-1974. Many of Peter's teammates came from Newfield H.S. which was a state fencing championship school on Long Island. Peter came over my apartment on Washington Square Place and we hung out for about an hour. That was all the time I needed to realize what a class person he was. God claimed his son with whom He was well pleased.

It was a true pleasure to experience his spirit! We are blessed to have known you. May your spirit ascend.

I was privileged to be one of Peter's neighbors for almost two decades. He made our block feel like a home. So friendly and caring. It was always a joy to run into him on the sidewalk and chat about our neighborhood or just life in general. I will forever be grateful that I had the pleasure of knowing him. Myself and all of our Harlem neighbors will miss him dearly.

I was on the NYU fencing team during the 70´s along with Pete. He was always upbeat, kind, a positive thinker, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He had a sense of purpose and ethics even then that permeated his interactions with everyone. The world is a lesser place indeed without his presence. May his memory always be a blessing to all.

Remember Peter Westbrook (Christmas, 2024)
Dr. Jenny Yang
I am officially Peter's fencing granddaughter since Peter was the mentor of my fencing coach Konate Primus. Through Konate I first heard a few wisdoms for "Peter would do this and do that while we had to make a difficult decision... Peter is a fighter for his life and career, and how Peter played such incredible fathering role in his life". Later, our conversation often ending with how to fight against cancer, especially liver cancer in my new research progress, and my mad pursue in chasing dreams for early diagnosis and precision treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases. Peter did not know; he had already inspired me since the day Konate became my coach 5 years ago. I finally had a honor to officially meet Peter at April NAC 2023. We took picture together and boldly invited him for dinner with us and Konate and heard my research progress. At such a beautiful dinner night with Gennie, Amanda, Peter, and Konate, I could not control my curiosity and asked quite a few questions about the secret of success, life tips, and current goals and joy. Peter´s open-hearted talk deeply touched each of us. His joy in helping younger and unfortunate were all written on his face and vibrated in his voice. Each of us answered the questions and shared the view for whether family/seeds/genes or environment/soil is the key determinants for who. Peter´s great appreciation to his mom and self-searching and Coach Konate´s view for "apple not far from the tree", I recognized a deep view about our life journey. One can be so much better if we have an effective mentor. The signed gift card with a photo of Peter´s victory in the Olympics is placed on my office desk to motivate me. I will always cherish my special identity as Peter´s granddaughter and his wisdom. I will fence forward to reach the great land of happiness in honor of you.

My brother, Peter, eleven months older than I, was my first trusted friend. I was, as Peter would have been, humbled by the turnout of love at his Wake and Celebration of Life Services. Peter leaves a legacy unmatched and will have generational trickle down impact. He is now an "Ancestor" to guide us through our continued journey of life

Peter was the first person to welcome me when I joined our church home, Abyssinian Baptist Church. His warmth has remained with me throughout the years. He will be missed.

I competed with the NYU fencing team (sabre) during the early 1980s. I fenced with Peter Westbrook many times, and he was not only a masterful fencer, but a very supportive mentor. He whipped me at an alumni tournament; I could tell he gave me one touch. But I actually earned the next touch. After that, he trounced me. And he was so encouraging to me after he won. A true champion,

My condolences.

I knew Peter for just a brief period in 1978. Several hundred IBM sales and systems engineering trainees were in Atlanta for the better part of that year. Peter was that shining light that got along with everyone, connected people, and always saw the positive and the opportunities in every situation. He had an aura of authenticity and goodness. I continued to follow his fencing career and the work of his Foundation. Even though I have not spoken to him in decades, my heart broke when I heard that he had passed. This is such a loss to the world.

Pete has been our neighbor since we moved to Harlem almost a decade ago. I specially remember one time when my young son Ricardo, about 11 years old at the time, interrupted a dice game in the street to ask about the rules of the game, and the men playing were taken a bit aback. Pete saw it, took charge of the situation, and introduced my son to the players, and everyone had a good laugh. I often reminisce about this!

A good man with a bright smile, always ready to help and make things better. I will miss him sorely.

Peter has been our next-door neighbor for the past nine years. I will always remember how he looked out for the kids in the neighborhood. Our son was small for his age, quirky and autistic. Peter helped the people on our street understand his differences. He always greeted everyone warmly and strove to understand and appreciate everyone. We will miss him.

My favorite memory with Peter is when he invited my fencing nephew AJ, his mother, and myself to visit him at the PWF earlier this year. His authenticity was felt with his genuine care and kindness. We first met in a zoom meeting followed with out visit to New York. He was very personable, humble, and always gave encouragement. Our friendship and communication continued via emails. He had a huge heart and a great presence. I am forever grateful and blessed to have met Peter and afforded my nephew the opportunity to spend time together and encouraging him to take all the opportunities that the sport fencing can offer him. Thank you Peter! Hugs & Blessings!!

Pete and I were both members of the NY Fencer´s Club in the 1970´s. He was an elegant fencer and an extraordinarily kind human being. May his memory be a blessing to us always. Please accept my deepest condolences.

A great Olympian in the sport of fencing, but so much more. He had such an amazing and giving spirit and a strong desire to help others. Truly an inspiration to so many. Sincere condolences to the Westbrook family. So very sorry for your loss. May God give strength and comfort to you all to help you in this very difficult time of your loss.