Peter Aldan Nishnick

Peter A. Nishnick, 84, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 13th, 2025, in the comfort of his home by his loving family.

Peter, affectionately known as "Pete," was born October 11th, 1940, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. Pete served our country proudly in the United States Navy for 30 years, enlisting on February 24th, 1960, in Erie, PA. Over the course of his decorated military career, Pete earned numerous honors including two Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. His last and favorite assignment was with SEAL Team 6 at NAB Little Creek in Norfolk, VA, a role he held in the highest regard. Much of his work in Naval Intelligence remained classified-a fact he often joked about with his signature line: "If I told you what I did, I'd have to kill you."

Pete retired from the Navy on February 28th, 1990, and embarked on new adventures, including going back to school, just one example of his curiosity and drive. He found joy in photography, woodworking, music, fishing, and cheering on his favorite teams in NASCAR, baseball, football, and golf. Known as the "Polish Picture Guy," Pete was rarely seen without a camera in hand, capturing countless moments at family gatherings and celebrations.

Fishing was one of Pete's greatest passions. After retirement, he kept a meticulous daily journal, really a collection of fishing journals filled with notes about the weather, water temperature, and how active the fish were on any given day. He even recorded the price of gas, often noting with a smile how close it was to today's prices. These journals weren't just logs; they were a reflection of Pete's love of nature, but his appreciation of the simpler things in life.

Family meant everything to Pete. He was always there fixing things, offering a ride, lending tools, or simply showing up with support. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending ball games, soccer matches, and cheer events with pride and joy.

A man of deep faith, Pete was an active member of the Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach, where he found purpose in welcoming others back into the church through the Landings program, an experience he cherished greatly.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Wilma Nishnick; his brothers, Dave and Steve Nishnick; his daughter Valerie Cake; his daughter-in-law Denise Nishnick; and his son-in-law Charlie Taylor.

Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 63 years, Patricia Nishnick; his children, John (Jack) Nishnick, Lee Taylor, and Michael (Mike) Nishnick; his sister Margaret (Peggy) Nishnick Hawthorn; grandchildren Amy Austin, Jon Nishnick, Naomi Williams & Champ (H), and Courtney Nishnick; and great-grandchildren Keith Austin, Kaleb Austin, Elaine Nishnick, Colby Nishnick, and Colin Nishnick. He is also lovingly remembered by several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Pete's life will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Church of the Ascension, 4853 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462. A reception will follow at the church from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6329 E Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pete's name to your favorite pet rescue, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.