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Peter Lee Lustig

1967 - 2025

BORN

1967

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Oakey’s South Chapel

4257 Brambleton Ave.

Roanoke, Virginia

Peter Lustig Obituary

Peter Lee Lustig, a loving husband, father, son, educator, and adventurer, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Frontotemporal dementia. Born in Illinois on December 4, 1967, Peter was the beloved son of Leon E. and Diane M. (Drevalas) Lustig.

He is survived by his parents, his wife, Sharon (Osborne) Lustig, and their two children, Daniel Lustig (wife Ivy and sons Thane and Clark) and Debra Lustig. He is also remembered by his sister, Heather (Lustig) Curran, her husband Pat, and their children Cedar and Granya.

Peter's academic path led him from the University of Virginia, where he earned his undergraduate degree, to Virginia Tech, where he completed graduate studies. For nearly three decades, Peter served as a high school teacher, primarily at Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, Virginia. His influence stretched far beyond the classroom, impacting generations of students with his intellect, kindness, and dedication.

Peter was a man of deep faith and curiosity. His love for the outdoors was reflected in his passions for biking, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing which brought him great joy. He embraced adventure and nature with energy and happiness, always eager to share those experiences with his loved ones.

Though Peter did not wish for a funeral, his family will honor his memory privately by spreading his ashes in a ceremony close to the places and people he loved most.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke, VA for their compassionate care during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter's memory to Good Samaritan Hospice, whose support brought immense comfort and dignity to his final days.

Peter will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, former students, and all who were fortunate to know him. His legacy of kindness, perseverance, and love for life will endure.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Aug. 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Lustig

Sponsored by Oakey’s South Chapel.

72 Entries

Jason Cruff

Yesterday

I know that I would not be where I am now academically without Mr. Lustig. At Cave Spring High School, Mr. Lustig was probably my hardest teacher, but undoubtedly my best teacher. I took his AP US History class, and from day one, it was unlike any class I ever took in school. It gave me a glimpse of what college would be like. I am confident that every student who took that class is a more conscientious student and person because of Mr. Lustig. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Lustig family.

Olivia & Adam Sharp

Yesterday

We are so sad to hear this! Adam and I both have the fondest memories of Mr. Lustig. What a great man!

Westleyan Killian

Yesterday

My husband David and I met Pete and Sharon in the late `90s when we attended church together. Pete´s excitement and contagious enthusiasm for learning more about Christ and God´s word was inspiring! He was a faithful and loving friend, and expressed joy whenever we all reconnected! I truly thought of Pete as a little brother and kindred spirit in our mutual love for Jesus, teenagers and history! Sharon, Dan and Debra, our prayers are with you as you say goodbye to this amazing guy! I pray your memories comfort and sustain you and that you feel the presence of our Lord through this time! We love you!

Andrea Barnes Ramos

August 10, 2025

He was a great teacher. He inspired me to take an interest in government and current events. He showed our class "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" with Jimmy Stewart. Classic and still relevant.

Peter´s Dad Lee Lustig

August 10, 2025

Years ago, Peter called us in the middle of the night. Through sobs of joy, Peter told us that he had prayed to accept Christ as saviour. Peter became active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, Prison Ministry, Small Group Ministry. Peter is not just my son; he is my best friend. He gave me a chance to be a kid again. We did everything together. I will miss him terribly here on earth. But I know that I will be with him in heaven. I and Peter´s mom are 78 years old and it won´t be long before we are there, together with Peter again. We thank each person for their loving words about Peter.

Ginger Reinschmidt

August 10, 2025

Pete and Sharon have been our neighbors since 2004. You could not ask for more wonderful neighbors. Pete and I both loved working in the yard and we would have discussions about our yards and he would tell me about growing up in Europe. He definitely was an educator. He taught me a lot about history and government. We will miss him dearly. Rest in peace, my friend.

Animesh Jain

August 10, 2025

I´m incredibly saddened to hear of Mr. Lustig´s passing. My thoughts go out to the entire Lustig family. He was a wonderful person and an amazing teacher. His thoughtfulness, kindness and dedication will live on in the generations of students that he impacted.

Mark Vitello and Family

August 10, 2025

Sharon and family- so sorry to hear about your loss of Peter. All the Vitello remember him with great admiration and respect. Prayers to all of your family as you navigate a life without him.

Gary Griffith

August 10, 2025

Pete was a leader in the first Life Group that I was in, back in 2006, and was a great teacher there in his "off-duty" time. He led the SW Va Walk to Emmaus #122 that I was on in May 2007, which was life-changing. He was my daughter's favorite teacher at CSHS, and the toughest, but he really prepared her for success at Va. Tech. He will be sorely missed in the CS community, but I know I'll laugh with him again in our eternal home. I'm sad for us, but happy for you my brother.

August 10, 2025

Remembering an amazing teacher, sending love and sympathy to all who mourn him. If I could please make a suggestion, would there be support for holding a 5k in Mr. Lustig´s honor during the coming year? Or folks could run in support of hospice with a PLL arm band....Thanks and love!

Micah Green

August 10, 2025

Lustig was a phenomenal teacher of the Bible. I always enjoyed hearing him at multiple YoungLife Clubs, and sermons at Church of the Holy Spirit. Everything he did and taught came from an overflow of love for Jesus and people. I can only imagine where he´s exploring first in the Kingdom of Heaven. Sending love and prayers to his family!

Emily (Kelley) McKenica

August 10, 2025

Mr. Lustig´s energy, empathy, ability to put himself out there to connect with students, passion for history, and storytelling style created a classroom environment I loved so much, that I became a history teacher. Throughout my 20 years of teaching in both middle and high school, I have used his method of success to model my teaching style. To his family- everyone student saw his love for you in the "off track" stories he would tell from time to time that were never really off track, just a chance to connect and show us he was human too. He focused on building successful individuals, not just smart history students. I strive to do justice to my memories of his class and his teaching legacy has already carried on in new generations of teachers beyond me. Thank you for sharing him with us!

Anna Allen

August 10, 2025

I am sending my love to all of the Lustig family. Mr. Lustig was an inspiring person and teacher. My days in his AP US history class were some of my favorite high school memories! He helped put me on the path to graduate school and studying American literature, where I did my best to model his intelligence and compassion in my own classroom. A truly wonderful man. I will miss him so much.

Debbie

August 9, 2025

Our hearts are with you cherished Lustig family ....at this time of unimaginable loss.

Sharing the news of Peter´s passing with our kids - left all of us incredulous.
As noted by all who wrote on this page - Peter wasn´t only an inspiring teacher, his integrity and light within - deeply touched the character, heart and soul of so many students and their parents ...as a role model of compassion, support and showing up always to believe in the opportunity for personal growth within each of us. His consistent example of enduring respect - not only inspired your family - but countless generations of lives ...so gratefully including the #dbkaplan family.

Peter´s memory is a powerful blessing in all of our lives.
May it now too ....guide you always.... by his remarkable, enduring example of strength, hope and professional and personal excellence.

Meredith

August 9, 2025

Sending love and our deepest sympathy to Sharon, Daniel, and Debra. Mr. Lustig spoke warmly and proudly to our class about his wonderful wife and beloved children. He was the greatest teacher that my husband and I ever had.
He made all of us students feel special and supported. Mr. Lustig's class was a haven that year when my mom got a cancer dx. He showed so much love and patience to a friend of ours with higher support needs, hosting a party in that classmate's honor one week. That means a lot to me now as a mom to a dear daughter with disabilities. Thank you Lustig family for sharing your incredible husband and dad with us all; you're in our prayers!

Steve Kittinger

August 9, 2025

Peter was a wonderful person that always greeted you with a smile ! He was such a happy go lucky person. I had the good fortune of having him and his family as a next door neighbor when we were much younger in age. My thoughts and prayers are with this wonderful family !

Caroline Wray

August 9, 2025

What a brilliant man, servant of God, and a true visionary. We worked together and I can say he taught me more than I could ever teach him. I am very sad to read this and wish his family and the entire Cave Spring community blessings. Earth's loss is heaven's gain.

Ashlen V.

August 9, 2025

Gonna miss you Lustig! You were a great phsych teacher. My heart and prayers go out to his family.

Carrie Anderson French

August 9, 2025

To the Lustig family, thank you for sharing Peter with all of his students for so many years. He was an amazing human being and taught us all so much more than history, he taught us how to think. We will never forget him.

Paula Katz

August 9, 2025

Mr. Lustig cared deeply for his students and athletes and his high standards made each of us push harder and reach farther. May his memory be a blessing.

Ashley Carpenter

August 9, 2025

As so many others have said, Mr. Lustig was a favorite teacher, who I always credit with teaching me how to write and structure communications. His class was a daily joy during a challenging junior year. Praying for peace and comfort for his family, he has left an amazing legacy.

Lauren Atkinson (formerly Knuppel)

August 9, 2025

Mr. Lustig of was one of the best teachers I ever had (nearly 20 years ago now) and definitely made a lasting impression on me. His recommendation letter played a part in my acceptance to Virginia Tech and I am so grateful. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Praying for comfort for his family.

Leigh Rapier Collazo

August 9, 2025

I only got to have Mr. Lustig as my history teacher for one quarter of a school year. He was brand-new to CSH in the 4th 9 weeks, after Coach Little left at semester. We had a sub for the 3rd 9 weeks, then we finally got Mr. Lustig. Our class was very behind due to having so much change that year, but Mr. Lustig was FANTASTIC. He was so interesting, enthusiastic, and kind. I am a teacher myself now, and I think of Mr. Lustig often. I am thankful to have had him as my teacher, even if it was only for a short time. Condolences to his family - he was an inspiration to many of us.

Allison Jetton

August 9, 2025

Kind. Brilliant. Funny. Inspiring. I´m grateful to have had him as a teacher. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

David McDade

August 9, 2025

I believe I was in Mr Lustig´s first AP History class at Cave Spring. I can honestly say in all my years he was the best teacher I ever had. He was passionate, ran a fun class and truly was all in when it came to educating his students. We walked into that exam so well prepared that it was easy! He made a big impact on me unlocking potential I didn´t know I had. I am very sorry for the Lustig family´s loss, but they should be so proud of an impact Peter had on his students and those around him.

JAMES MULINDA

August 9, 2025

Such a wonderful Teacher and personality! MHSRIP and comfort to family and friends!

Dave

August 9, 2025

He was the best and funniest history teacher I ever had. I'm so sorry for his family, a massive loss for all of us.

August 9, 2025

This is such heartbreaking news. Mr. Lustig was such an incredible teacher. His passion for history and care for his students came across in everything he did. We respected him and he respected us. What an incredible impact he's left. This disease is an eveil theif of time. Prayers for his family, friends.

Darrin Witt

August 8, 2025

Despite having many great teachers over the years, I believe Peter Lustig may have been the most impactful in my own learning, specifically in developing critical thinking skills. I was in one of the first AP History classes he taught at Cave Spring. He was not only an extraordinary educator, he was an interesting, kind, and fun human being. My heart sank to read the news of his passing. Praying for comfort for family and friends.

Jessica Christensen

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig was a great teacher and inspiration, there was never a dull day in class. He made every day interesting and I´m so thankful to have got learn from him. Much love to all family and friends and all those who knew him.

Matti Hamed

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Daniel Crane Kirzane

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig was one of my best teachers, nourishing my love of history and engraining an understanding of American democracy that has stayed with me since 11th grade. I'm so sad to hear of his death, and I pray his memory lives on as a blessing to all who knew him and learned from him.

Shannon Vittur

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig was easily one of the best teachers I had throughout my education. I believe I was in one of his first - if not first - AP History classes. He taught us so much more than just history - how to critically think, how to question, and how to see the world through the past and how it can influence the future. I'm not sure I ever had a teacher that was able to relate to and bring out the best in his students the way Mr. Lustig did. I hope his family and loved ones find comfort in the incredible impact he had on his many students throughout his career. He truly was special.

Maureen Jekielek

August 8, 2025

Mr Lustig was a great teacher. He may be the only one I truly remember. He forced me to think more and put more work in when I didn´t want to. He never taught out of a text book. That was impressive to me. I also remember him giving every girl in his a class a flower for Valentine´s Day. It meant a lot to the girls who may not otherwise receive one. He was one of the best teachers Cave Spring ever had.

Adrian Wray

August 8, 2025

I was one of many students that he taught during his time in the classroom. I have always loved history but never had a teacher do the subject justice...until I had Mr. Lustig´s class. I am a classroom teacher myself and this will be my 25th year. Peter Lustig was a BIG part of that. In fact, I use a variation of his "what is history" lesson every year at the start of the year....rest easy my friend

Sarah Kufel

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig was one of a kind. He believed in me, even when I didn´t believe in myself. I was ready to quit AP History, but he wouldn´t let me! He told the best stories, was extremely passionate about teaching us all he knew and had a heart of gold. You´d never see him without a smile on his face. The world lost a great one.

Maureen Anderson

August 8, 2025

Pete was an amazing man loved by all who knew him. I remember when he was a beginning teacher so caring , creative, and enthusiastic. Once I retired from CSHS, I loved subbing for Pete. His lesson plans were fun and meaningful and fostered enthusiastic participation by his students. Also, he gave wonderful, inspirational sermons at our church. Everyone who knew him will be sad that he has left us in this life. But we look forward to seeing him in eternity. Much love to his family and friends.

Terrell Herring

Planted Trees

Joslynn Lankford

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig will forever be the perfect example of how teachers should be. He made learning fun, and gave my classmates and I a well rounded understanding of the world. Praying for the Lustig family.

Lauren (Gross) Crotts

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig sparked my interest in history and was one of my favorite teachers at Cave Spring. His kindness and positive energy extended beyond the classroom. He will be greatly missed.

Matthew Pendleton

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig was one of my favorite teachers and a good neighbor that lived just down the street. I'm still interested in all things history because of him.

Beth (Grimes) Denton

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig was my a History teacher many moons ago. He made class come alive and relevant! He had our class convinced (or at least questioning) that he once played soccer in Germany as an undercover CIA agent! His passion for learning and for his students was inspiring. I'm now starting my 20th year teaching high school math and I'm so proud to be standing on the shoulders of giants like him. Thank you, Mr. Lustig, for your life if service!

Natalie Newman

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig/ Coach taught me so much in the classroom and on the soccer field.
I had him for AP history, I don´t even like history. Mr. Lustig made it come alive and the debates were the best. I learned how to become a good writer with all the DBQs we did through the year.
On the soccer field, Coach pushed us to be great players. We won districts and regionals most years. Practice was meaningful, sometimes hard, sometimes fun, but always great!
Thank you Coach for all you taught me in classroom and on the field!! You will be missed!!!
- Natalie Newman
Class of 1996 CSHS

Amy Ham

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig had a profound impact upon my life. He will be dearly missed. Heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him.

Sean Powers

August 8, 2025

Mr Lusting was easily one of the most impactful teachers I ever had. My sympathies to out to his family and loved ones.

Chris Avery (Evans)

August 8, 2025

Much love to Mr. Lustig´s family. Many memories of weekends spent in the New River Gorge climbing. By far one of the more influential people in my junior and senior years in high school at Cave Spring. Climb high, Pete.

Katie Holt (Durica)

August 8, 2025

Thank you for teaching us the good, bad, and the ugly of history. Thank you for being such an important part of my high school story and for being so supportive. No matter how bad my day was he always made it a million times better. I miss our conversations and I wish I could go back for just one more class. I hope you are riding down the best slopes in Heaven

Claire Natt

August 8, 2025

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to each of you. Pete was so wonderful to work with Ed and me for many years leading the College and Career Sunday School Class. He was an example of all that a great teacher should be, both at church and at school. My son, Allen, would often share some of his most inspirational teaching moments role playing various historical characters. His passion for his faith was contagious. He was a great man and friend to all. My deepest sympathy to each of you. Praise be to God, the Reunion is Assured.

Grace

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig was one of my favorite teachers in high school; I teach now and he gave me so much inspiration to pursue my passion in education. You will be so missed and remembered by many Mr. Lustig

Breann Fitzgerald

August 8, 2025

Lustig was one of my favorite teachers in high school!! He was always so funny and light. I´ll also miss seeing him walk his dogs on my mom´s street! Rest peacefully

Mark Orr

August 8, 2025

I remember Pete his kindness, and encouraging spirit. I was in a Emmaus Group Reunion at the Rescue Mission with him on Tuesday mornings years ago. He definitely helped me to become a better Christian. I will be praying for God's peace and comfort for his family and all he influenced.
SWVA Walk to Emmaus # 81

Judy Sgroi

August 8, 2025

Peter was such an inspiration. He was a gifted teacher who helped our daughters learn critical thinking skills while mastering his famous history lessons. He was a friendly face whom I often saw at the gym. Sharon, Daniel and Debra are such special people who won´t be the same without Peter. Our family will continue to remember them in prayer.

Dylan

August 8, 2025

My sincerest condolences. Peter was my favorite teacher and helped inspire my love of government service. He wrote my college recommendations and launched me down the path my life took. Few people had the impact on my life that Peter did. May his memory forever be a blessing and light and peace be with you all.

Leila Quinlan

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig is the teacher I tell my kids about all the time. AP History was such a hard class, and yet I learned more, worked harder, and enjoyed that class more than any other. My heart is heavy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Christine Boutilier

August 8, 2025

Lustig will forever be my favorite & most impactful teacher. He taught us to think critically, write well, and care about history. And he so clearly cared about us. Such a lovely soul. Love to his family & friends.

Anne

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig's AP American History class was by far the best class I took in high school, and I think about the class - and the way he taught - often. I love history, and his dynamic teaching style (mock trials! quiz shows!) helped to make his class the highlight of my day. He also had such high standards - I pushed myself harder in his class, and I think he was one teacher who really saw me for who I could be. I would love for his family to know how profoundly he touched the lives of his students - I graduated high school almost 30 years ago, and his impact still resonates.

Eleah Ruffin

August 8, 2025

Mr. Lustig was both my history and government teacher my junior and senior years of high school. He was by far my favorite teacher, he challenged me in ways that helped me to learn how to think creatively and he made teaching enjoyable. He cared about his students taking something away and encouraged engagement, which helped me learn. I'm so so sad to hear about his passing. My prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

Aaron Baughman

August 8, 2025

I'm beside myself. Mr. Lustig was, without a doubt, the best teacher I had during my K-12 years. He cared, pushed you to think, and his joy was contagious.

Reggie Crumpler

August 8, 2025

Pete was an interesting, intelligent, caring man who loved his Lord, his family, his community and life. He loved the mystery, the beauty and the challenges of the world. Prayers for Sharon, Dan and his family, Deb and all who loved him.

Micah Pasquarell

August 8, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Lustig was one of my favorite teachers. He taught my AP US History class with so much passion and knowledge that I try to imitate his style of public speaking to this day (at a very reduced quality to be sure...he was an amazing speaker). I wasn´t very excited about the class at first, but from day one I was hooked because of his infectious love of history and truth. He clearly loved his students, and conveyed respect and hope towards each of us and our futures. If he had such an impact on me in one class, I can only imagine how much he did for so many others. May he Rest in Peace.

Brianna Kurtz

August 8, 2025

I will forever be grateful to Mr. Lustig for encouraging me to look at the past and see how it informs the present and future. He taught us the history outside the textbook and made a warm, welcoming classroom environment that I try to instill in my own students to this day. TA'ing for him was a highlight of my senior year and my heart goes to the entire family. Thank you for sharing this beautiful soul with us all at Cave Spring and know he made a difference. His legacy carries on.

Matt

August 8, 2025

Mr Lustig was one of the best teachers I ever had. He gave 100% to his class and expected 100% from his students. While I took his AP US History class, the lessons he taught extended far beyond history...how to write and communicate concisely, how to learn, how to think critically, how to succeed.

I am very sorry to see this. I hope Mr Lustig´s family knows that his teaching career is responsible for enabling countless students growing into great adults.

Claire Evans

August 8, 2025

As a fellow educator, I strive to be more like Mr. Lustig each and every year. Being in his class was to be inspired by his passion for learning and being curious about the world around us. I am terribly saddened to know of his passing and his dementia diagnosis. As the new school year begins, I will keep your family in my heart and Peter Lustig´s indomitable spirit in my classroom full of young people. Sending love.

John Beach

August 8, 2025

Peter was my favorite student teacher and i was so proud of his teaching career. I am deeply saddened by his passing. All who loved him will miss him, but will always be thankful for his life and influence. John (Stretch) Beach

Christa Madison

August 8, 2025

So saddened to hear, may he rest in peace. Mr Lustig was one of my favorite teachers at Cave Spring and I was lucky to have him as a teacher for two years. Several of the lessons I learned from the way he taught still resonate with me today. He also helped inspire me to want to travel once I graduated hs through the sharing of his adventures. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Stephen & Marcia Dougherty

August 8, 2025

Pete was one wonderful Christian, filled with JOY and His love. Thoughts & Prayers

Clark Goldstein

August 8, 2025

He was one of the best teachers I ever had. He taught us how to think critically. His cared for the students showed through each day. May G-d comfort his family in these times and always.

Lee Henderson

August 8, 2025

Sharon, Dan, and Deb I am so sorry for your loss. You guys and Pete have meant the world to our family. I have fond memories of dinners, vacations, life group meetings , Emmaus, Kairos and lake house gatherings to name a few. Pete was a great friend to me and I know to many others. I loved doing Bible study with him as his intelligence and wisdom always shown forth. He was always willing to help me in any way when I needed it. I will miss him, but know he´s in a better place and I look forward to seeing him again. All my love to each of you and the rest of your family.

Wanda Wright

August 8, 2025

Sharon, I didn't know Peter much but, from the stories that I have heard, he was a great man, husband, teacher, and father. He is with the Lord now and no longer in pain. It doesn't make it easy for the loved ones left behind but I am praying for God's comfort and love for you and the family.

Betty Henderson

August 8, 2025

Faithful. Dedicated. Compassionate. Helpful. Incredible Teacher. Animated. Fun loving. Full of Mischief! Pete made everything more fun. He made a huge difference in our lives & in the lives of our daughters. He brought out the best in all of us. His friendship was truly a treasure. See you in Glory, Brother.

Kellinger Family

August 8, 2025

So sorry for your loss!

Todd Stafford

August 8, 2025

Sharon, Dan and Debra - Prayers for peace and comfort. Pete was a one of a kind, and I am sorry for your loss and sorry that I haven´t seen him in so long. He was my son´s favorite teacher in HS, and he was a great friend and Christian brother in my Men´s small group and our workouts at the RAC. I´ll miss his great adventure stories, and his insights on his faith. Much love to you all.

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