Peter Johannes Schuyten, 80, died at home on December 9, 2024. He was born on May 11, 1944, at Mare Island Naval Hospital in Vallejo, Calif., the son of Nancy E. (Sobek) and Egbert Johannes Schuyten.
Peter grew up in Greenwich, Conn., and attended the Taft School in Watertown, graduating in 1962. He earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English literature from New York University and then embarked on a career in journalism. He married Elaine Bernstein while at NYU; that marriage ended in divorce.
Peter’s first job was at McGraw Hill’s Electronics magazine, where he worked for four years before he decided to try and fulfill his dream of working at Fortune magazine.
Fortune wasn’t hiring at the time, but that didn’t stop Peter from going to their offices multiple times and waiting by the receptionist’s desk to see if he could get an interview. And yes, he did and was hired as a researcher and was mentored by a wonderful man, Stanley Brown. Peter’s first big story was about Universal Studios, where he had the chance to meet legendary chief costumer Edith Head and legendary director Alfred Hitchcock, whom he interviewed. A treasured souvenir from that experience was a small signed portrait of Hitchcock, of which Peter was truly proud.
After six years at Fortune, Peter set his sights on another of the world’s great publications: The New York Times. He was hired as a science and technology writer, even though it was a field in which he had little interest. He broke some key stories about the first cell phones and other tech advances of the late 1970s.
Three years later, Dow Jones offered him a job, again in technology, but this time working on the company’s first online information service, in 1980, before the internet was commonly in use. Peter moved to Princeton, N.J., where Dow Jones was based, and then married his longtime friend, Ann Hengstenberg, on whom he had had a crush for years. Tragically, she died two years into this fresh marriage.
Peter remained in Princeton, where he rowed crew on Carnegie Lake with a passion. After a few years, he met his next wife, Jodi Rothe, to whom he was married for 22 years. They made their home together in Southfield, using their apartment in New York for cultural outings, and despite their divorce in 2016, they continued to be friends until his death.
Peter retired from Dow Jones in 2010 but, like a true journalist, he continued to be deeply fascinated by the world around him. He developed new friendships and new passions, including reporting on town government for the respected New Marlborough 5 Village News (a small monthly publication staffed by editors and writers from some of the country’s most successful magazines and newspapers).
He decided to join a poker group with some of his friends in the Berkshires—and then had to quickly teach himself how to play. He also began playing golf in the summer at courses in North Canaan, Conn., and at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Conn.
Peter loved music, especially opera. His friends were often fortunate to be invited to join him in the front row at Music Mountain in Falls Village, Conn., where he was a member of the board.
Peter remained a strong supporter of AA. A few years ago, he developed an interest in Christianity that led him to join a study group at Christ Trinity Church in Sheffield. He later joined the church’s vestry council. This experience led him to plan a trip to Israel, which was a highlight of his later life. In recent years, he developed pulmonary fibrosis, which often left him dangerously short of breath. Knowing that his time was limited, he planned an ambitious trip to Africa this year. Despite his physical frailty, he managed to make the arduous voyage, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Peter always treasured the companionship of his pets, most especially the dogs. He leaves behind a wonderful cat named Teddy.
In addition to his ex-wife Jodi Rothe of New Marlborough, he is survived by three sisters, Kathy Sebestyen, Candace Massey, and Vicki Fuscaldo; his stepmother Dolly Schuyten; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Peter was a wonderful big brother for his sisters. In addition to his unfailing good humor and thoughtful advice, he could be compassionate and understanding when the situation required it. In his later years, Peter became the epitome of the generous uncle to his nieces and nephews. He will be missed terribly at the Christmas and Easter celebrations in Orlando, Fla., where he was a regular visitor and could be relied upon to finish off the turkey leftovers. As an avid rower, Peter would know that his family wishes him smooth sailing forever.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 19, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington; the memorial service will be held Friday, December 20, at noon, at Christ Trinity Lutheran/Episcopal Church in Sheffield. Burial will follow immediately after the service at Carroll Cemetery in Mill River, and a reception will follow at Christ Trinity Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to Music Mountain or Christ Trinity Lutheran/Episcopal Church in care of the funeral home.
