I can go on and on about all the trademark Pete mannerisms that I’ll forever remember him for, but above all else, his authenticity and warmth towards everyone he met will be what left the most impact on my life going forward.
Almost 8 years ago, when I was just a nervous boyfriend about to meet my future wife’s parents for the first time, Pete’s down-to-earth demeanor instantly vanquished any and all sorts of apprehension and quelled all the butterflies in my stomach. At one point during the conversation, to Hannah’s utter disbelief, Pete pulled out his iphone without a word and started snapping consecutive photos of my equally puzzled expression. Only after firing the photos off to the various contacts in his phone (with all the texting notifications on full volume) did he ask for my permission. “A lot of folks back in New York are curious about how you look....I hope you don’t mind!”, he said with the classic Pete smile. As we climbed into the Uber after the meal, I recall Hannah apologizing profusely for Pete’s paparazzi act and unfiltered banter, but I remember leaving that Jewish deli in LA with complete peace of mind. There was no doubt that Pete and I were going to get along.
Looking back at this moment now, these glimpses into Pete’s true personality were what gave me the confidence I needed to be my true self when visiting my in-laws in Orange County and the extended Wilensky family over in New York City. Over the next couple of years, Pete and I would bond over the small things in life. From ranking spicy Mexican and Indian meals by the number of ice creams we would both need to devour afterward to debating the accuracy of some of the exhibits at the Richard Nixon Library - there was truly never a dull moment and the car rides were always filled with laughter.
Pete and I shared our last basketball game on Sunday, April 25 as we watched the Kings demolish my hometown Warriors. Although he had limited mobility and impacted speech, he insisted on controlling the remote to the DVR and would skip all the commercials with pinpoint accuracy, and let me know that he absolutely disagreed when I suggested that Steph Curry might be this year’s MVP. The Warriors lost that day, but that game will always have a special place in my heart. I will forever be grateful that I was able to kick it with Pete in the comforts of his home whilst doing what he loved.
Thank you Pete for welcoming me into the family and for all the random texts and acts of kindness you’ve shown me over the years. My future son in-law(s) owe you big time. Love ya Pete!