PETER JOSEPH BUCHANAN

PETER JOSEPH BUCHANAN arrived on June 27, 1964 at La Chapelle-St. Mesmin in the Loire Valley of France, where the family lived during Dr. Buchanan’s three-year assignment to the U.S. Army’s 34th General Hospital. The family returned to the United States when Peter was a baby and he grew up in suburban Washington, D.C., and finally Elyria, Ohio, where the family settled after Dr. Buchanan’s retirement from the Army.

Pete attended Elyria Catholic High School, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (in both Prescott, Arizona and Daytona Beach, Florida) and Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, graduating with a degree in engineering. Peter was a longtime engineer with MTD Products in Valley City, Ohio, a job he loved and through which he was awarded multiple patents.

A band of brothers -— Jim, Tim, Sean, Doug, Dan and Dave — traveled with Pete throughout his life, sharing adventures (Grateful Dead concert mystery!) a love of gaming (what’s up with those painted figures?) and more. It’s a testament to their friendship that the bond was never strained during times of trouble.

Peter also loved driving fast (seriously,  pushing a rusty, rackety old Plymouth Valiant to 100 mph in the dead of night on a Georgia interstate — what were you thinking?) skiing, dancing, elegant airplanes, beer and sushi. Most important, he loved Melissa.

On April 22, 2017, Peter and Melissa married in Strongsville, Ohio, before a small gathering of family and friends. He wore grey and she wore violet, and the vows were lovely. Pete barely finished speaking his before taking Melissa in his arms for a deep kiss. Their commitment to each other (and the kitties) is unfailing. They deserved much more time together.

Peter’s faith carried him through good times and bad, including his battle with glioblastoma.

AT AGE 53, Peter, now of Brunswick, Ohio, completed his journey on February 19, 2018. He is survived by his cherished wife, Melissa L. Buchanan. He is also survived by his mother, Ann H. Buchanan, sisters Katy Remensky (Carl), Elizabeth Russini (Ralph) Mary Buchanan and Suzanne Buchanan, brother Tim Buchanan (Sheri), sister-in-law Edye Buchanan (the late Chris), nephews Henry and Louis Soults, brother-in-law Franklin Soults and Melissa’s children Audrey, Amanda, Donavan and Jacob. Not to mention his band of brothers and Mom2 aka Libby Betounes. His father, Dr. Richard S. Buchanan, and oldest brother, Chris, passed away before him. Two children also survive.

HUSBAND, SON, brother and friend. You are much loved and greatly missed.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Visit with family and friends on Saturday March 3, 2018 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Home, 18149 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, Ohio, 44130. At 3, there will be a service by Pete’s pastor, Kip Kratche from Pathways Church.

If you wish, consider donating to Head for the Cure or participating in the 2018 race to honor Peter’s life. Live your days to the fullest.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.