Pete was born on February 14th, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York to Albert and Molly Wilensky.  Family and friends describe him as a rambunctious kid who had a lot of fun but avoided trouble.

He spent many fond childhood summers at Camp Cummings and later worked as a counselor at Camp Leah with his brother Mark. He went to Queens College, while working as a taxi driver, and received his degree in Sociology in 1974. He stayed in touch with life-long friends Lennie, Richie, Dave, Rob, Mike and Al from Queens.

He was a Queens boy who moved to Orange County California for warmer weather and a new adventure, but never lost his New Yorker accent.

In 1978, he met his wife Hiroko and they celebrated 42 years of marriage. Their first date was square dancing in Hollywood and they enjoyed many trips along the California Coast.  He especially loved their visits to historical landmarks such as the Winchester House and Madonna Inn.

Pete and Hiroko raised four daughters together: Sydney, Hannah, Leah and Alex.  He was a very dedicated father who never missed a school celebration and was eager to cheer on his daughters at each moment in life. Every message to them was signed "Luv, Dad."

In 1974, Pete began working as an Instructor Aide for United Cerebral Palsy of Brooklyn, which started his passion for education and mentorship.

In 1982, he received his special education credential from the University of California Irvine and his Masters in Education from California State University Fullerton the following year. Pete had a 30 year career as a teacher for children with special education needs in Fullerton and Santa Ana.

He spent many years as a Special Olympics Coach and Scoutmaster of a Boy Scout troop for youth with special needs.  He also served for over a decade on the Council for Exceptional Children Orange County Chapter.

Later in his life, Pete was an active member of the SGI Buddhist Golden Orange District.  

Pete loved sports and would never miss a Lakers, Ducks or Angels game. He would often rehash college basketball and football games with his brother Mark and son-in-law Josh.

His joys included introducing friends and family to new restaurants, going to the movies, long drives, a New York slice, and reading Robert Parker and Perry Mason novels in his recliner. Pete was always ready to share his joy with others and recommend a new museum exhibit, hole-in-the-wall restaurant, or movie.