Obituary of Peter H. Rummel

Peter Henry Rummel, much adored husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away May 11, 2025. Born December 23, 1939 in Paterson, NJ to Henry and Grace Rummel, Peter was raised in Short Hills, NJ. He excelled at The Pingry School before attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. He graduated RPI in 1962 with dual degrees in engineering and business management, degrees he would put to good use. After two years serving in the Public Health Service in Washington, DC he returned to New Jersey.  There he went to work at his father’s manufacturing company, Rummel Fibre, which he would lead over the next fifty years. Despite the challenges facing the industry, Peter’s embrace of technology and work ethic along with that of his brothers saw the company thrive.

With seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm he led a busy life both in and out of work.  On a trip to St. Thomas in the spring of 1968 he met his match in Carolyn Brokvist of West Roxbury, MA, where they were married in June of 1971.  The couple welcomed their first son, Michael in the fall of 1974 and their second son, Steven, three autumns later. It was during these years that they moved to their house in Short Hills and turned it into the warmest, most inviting home where they would host many gatherings and parties over the years.

Peter and Carolyn shared a love of travel and made the most of their time exploring the world over, with a special fondness for Ireland, Hawaii and the Caribbean.  Peter loved animals. In 1989 Peter and Carolyn brought home their first dog, a lab-shepherd mix they named Max. Years later Peter rescued a cat he found in Ft. Pierce, FL who he named Mr. Pierce. The joy these pets brought Peter would inspire him to collect many more dogs and cats throughout his life.

A tireless and intrepid man with a passion for precision, Peter enjoyed a wide range of hobbies including flying, skiing, hiking, and home renovation. He also knew how to relax and loved playing the piano or just sitting on the beach with friends and family.  Annual traditions and the people he shared them with remained unchanged for decades.  Summertime at the shore and winter trips to Vermont and Colorado were constants.

Simple pleasures brought him the most joy: a challenging day skiing or hiking, a nice meal, a solid drink, reclining fireside with a cat listening to good music. No one could linger over a meal like Peter. His loss will be felt deeply and by many. He is survived by his son Michael and wife Brenda; son Steven and wife Marcie; grandchildren Megan, Nate, William and Finley; brother Walter and wife Adele, brother Thomas, and many nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday May 17 at St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills, NJ at 9:45AM with a funeral mass and burial to follow at 10:30AM; in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our House Foundation in Murray Hill, NJ or Cuddly Creatures Animal Rescue in Manalapan, NJ.