By the family

Jun. 3, 2020: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Reiner Peters, beloved husband, father and grandfather “Opi.”

Reiner passed away on Wednesday, May 13, in Westchester, NY, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s and, more recently, an insurmountable fight against the Covid-19 virus. He was 81 years old. We are grateful to the doctors and nurses who were able to make his last days painless and peaceful.

Reiner was born on April 16, 1939, in West Berlin, Germany. He met his wife Hisako in 1962 while both working for Lufthansa airlines – Reiner as a purser and Hisako as one of the first Japanese flight attendants to work for the airline. They both had a passion for travel. 

Reiner and Hisako started their new life together in Manhattan, where both of their sons were born. They imported cultured pearls, built a family jewelry business together, and ran a store in Rockefeller Center for over 30 years. The family settled in Bronxville, NY in 1976, where they built a community of dear friends.

Reiner was known for his zen outlook on life, his intelligence, and his humor. His love of travel and culture carried the family to many countries around the world. 

As a father, he loved to inspire curiosity, planning monthly surprise adventures with his boys. Even as his mobility was compromised, Reiner maintained his sense of humor and a deep love for those around him; his sons, grandchildren, and Hisako, his partner in life for over 55 years.  

Reiner is survived by his wife Hisako, sons Markus and Stefan, and grandchildren Penelope (15), Axel. (13), Dahlen (9), and Struan (7).

Following his wishes, we will hold a small ceremony with immediate family.  

If you have memories of Reiner you would like to share, we would love for you to do so on his memorial page .

We will miss him dearly.