Wilbur "Pete" VanIdistine

Trumansburg, NY August 15, 1929 – March 7, 2026 Age 96

Wilbur E. (Pete) VanIdistine, age 96, of Trumansburg, passed away March 7, 2026, at Cayuga Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.

Pete was born on Aug. 15, 1929, in Livingston, New Jersey, the son of Charles and Janie VanIdistine. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He served with honor in the Marine Corps from 1946-1948 and 1950-1951. He qualified as a sharpshooter and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sgt. Pete was a police officer for the city of Caldwell, NJ, and the city of Ithaca until he retired as captain in 1985. He was a member of the PBA and Odessa Conservation Club. Pete enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, reading, hunting, and gardening.

He was predeceased by his wife, Rose Marie, in 2002. He is survived by his son, Peter (Sally) VanIdistine of Trumansburg; daughter, Vicki Merritt (Gary Bryant) of Cosby, Tennessee; and granddaughter, Jade Merritt (Nick Bradley) of Royse City, Texas.

A graveside service with full military honors will be presented at Sampson Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Romulus, NY, on March 16th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (online at www.t2t.org). Condolences may be offered to the family in his guestbook at www.RoyceChedzoy.com. The Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting the family.