Peter Ryan Waldo

Peter Ryan Waldo passed away on July 30, 2026, at the age of 90. He leaves behind the legacy of a long, beautiful life-one defined by an unwavering devotion to his family, a quiet reverence for nature, a lifelong love for reading and history, and the simple joy he found in the company of a faithful dog.

Pete always expressed his gratitude for having grown up on a farm in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, where he was born on January 16, 1936. On Mill Road, in a stone house rich with history, not far from where Skippack Creek flows under the iron bridge, he lived with his extended family and learned from his father and uncle how to trap, hunt, and fish. He loved the freedom of rural life, and he loved racing his sports cars in rallies and hill climbs on the winding roads of Montgomery County. "It was a great way to grow up," he often said, and he carried the memories of his happy youth wherever he went in life.

Pete built a successful, decades-long career as an industrial compressor salesman, a path that eventually led him to accept a position with Chicago Pneumatic. This new chapter brought a move to Cleveland, Ohio, alongside his two cherished children, Jeff and Ali and his first wife, Sharon. Pete faced the ultimate heartbreak when he lost his beloved son, Jeff, to a car accident. He carried the profound weight of that loss in his heart every single day, speaking of Jeff often with enduring love. Through his grief, Pete remained a steadfast, devoted father to his daughter, Ali. Together, they shared a beautiful bond, surrounded by the loyal golden retrievers he raised, as he passed down his own deep reverence for nature, wildlife, and all of God's creatures to her. Pete later relocated to Toledo, Ohio to work for Tomlin Equipment, where he would dedicate over thirty years of loyal service selling industrial compressors.

Pete's life was forever changed the day he stepped out on a blind date and met the love of his life, Mary. They had an instant connection, sparking a beautiful romance that led to 42 years of a deeply devoted marriage. Their romance never faded, and the profound love they showed for one another became a beautiful testament to true partnership and an enduring inspiration to everyone who knew them. He also became a loving and devoted stepfather to Mary's two daughters, Alison and Beth. He transcended the role of stepfather, evolving into a foundational presence in their lives for which there is no simple title. Together, Mary and Pete bought an old, weathered farm house in Elmore, Ohio and dedicated years to its restoration, transforming it into a beautiful, peaceful retreat. In the quiet of the countryside, they shared a long, beautiful, happy marriage, anchored by the warmth of the home they had lovingly restored and proudly maintained.

Pete found his greatest peace in nature, and was an avid bass fisherman. He was never happier than when he was out on the water, and delighted in acting as a guide. Many of his friends, family and clients had the pleasure of joining him in Battersea, Ontario for some unforgettable fishing trips deep in the heart of the Canadian wilderness. He was a voracious, almost obsessive, reader and his interests were wide and deep. He remained deeply liberal-minded and passionate about politics, and was an unapologetic straight-shooter about his beliefs; you always knew exactly where Pete stood, as he had no use for sugarcoating the truth. But beneath that occasionally gruff exterior lay an unfailingly kind-hearted man who never wasted time worrying or holding a grudge. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He lived life openly and unapologetically, and on his own terms until his last breath.

Peter is survived by his wife, Mary, his daughter Ali O'Grady, son-in-law Pat O'Grady, and his step-daughters Alison Ely and Beth Johnson; his granddaughter Mairin O'Grady, his step-granddaughter Leah Ely, and his step-grandsons Andrew Ely and Jack Johnson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 14th, at 11:00 am at St. Boniface Church in Oak Harbor, OH, with a viewing at the church prior to mass starting at 10:30. Friends and family are invited to attend a luncheon after the funeral mass at the home of Peter and Mary. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Toledo Humane Society in memory of Peter R. Waldo.