Peter Erik van Helden's Obituary
Peter Erik van Helden, 75, of Leesburg, VA, and Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away on May 4, 2023, surrounded by his loving daughters.
Born on September 6, 1947, in Groningen, Netherlands, to the late Hendrik and Violet Angela van Helden. Peter’s family immigrated to the United States when he was six years old. He spent his summers in Rehoboth Beach with his family, where he and his brother both worked as beach lifeguards.
Peter graduated from Randolph-Macon College, where he was the President of the Theta Chi Fraternity. After graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve and later became an English high school teacher in Ashland, VA. Peter then relocated to Waynesboro, VA, where he worked for Travelers Insurance Company and where his two daughters were born. When a transfer opportunity arose, the family moved to Sterling, VA, and he began working for the U.S. Department of Labor, where he worked until his retirement in 2002. After retiring, Peter moved to Rehoboth Beach, DE, where he served as treasurer on the Lake Comegys homeowners association board for many years.
Peter was a lifelong fan of the Washington D.C. sports teams and enjoyed traveling, especially cruising. He was known for his karaoke performances of Neil Diamond songs and for cheering on his grandchildren during their sports games.
Peter had a kind and generous spirit, and his love and loyalty will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Peter is survived by his daughters, Tara Brokaw (husband Michael) of Lansdowne, VA, and Tracey Troiano (husband Kevin) of Aldie, VA, his grandchildren, Ryan, Kate, Wyatt, and Caleb, his brother, Ronald van Helden (wife Kathryn), his niece Angela, and his former wife and dear friend, Carol. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hendrik and Violet Angela van Helden, and his brother Hendrik “Henk” van Helden.
A celebration of Peter's life will be held on May 18, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at Vine & Branches Lutheran Church, 25615 Lennox Hale Dr, Aldie, VA 20105, with a reception to follow at his daughter Tracey’s home, 25987 Lilac Oaks Place, Aldie, VA 20105.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
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