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Peter Stelzenmuller of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania died at his home on Thursday, August 18 at the age of 49. He leaves his mother and father, Connie and Bernie Stelzenmuller; his sister, Carol Haslach; his two brothers, Bill and Greg Stelzenmuller, and his close companion, Edythe Maa. Peter, graduated from Lower Merion High school in 1979 and attended Villanova University. After working with small local electrical controls and security companies, he went on to lead the prototype lab at Burroughs Corporation, later Unisys. In 1989 he applied his love of electronics and aviation to start Penn Avionics. Under his leadership, Penn Avionics grew to be a leading provider of aircraft electronics installation and radio repair based at the Brandywine Airport. The family will assume ownership of the business to continue Peter’s legacy of superior avionics expertise and customer service. Peter’s passion for aviation started before he was born. His father, a World War II Air Force veteran and pilot, and his mother, pregnant with Pete, flew cross country in the family’s Cessna 140. Later Peter would join his parents in a crib tucked into the cockpit. In addition to electronics and aviation; Peter was also passionate about music, photography and classic cars. His dedication to improving as a musician was reflected in the multiple keyboards he kept at home and one portable piano that he used for daily practice at Penn Avionics and often brought with him when traveling. All who knew Pete from an early age knew of his long time love of classic cars. From the 1963 Alfa Romeo he restored at the age of 15 to the European sports cars he owned and loved today, he truly appreciated fine machinery and enjoyed the challenge of bringing an old car to vibrancy. But his love of technology aside, Pete will be most remembered for his sense of humor and his easy going and generous nature. Whether helping with a technical or life problem, sharing a favorite movie quote or retelling some life observation in a way that only he could, Pete created an easy camaraderie for us all. A Funeral Service for Peter will be held on Saturday, August 27 at 11 a.m., at the Church of St. Asaph, St. Asaph’s Road and Conshohocken State Road in Bala Cynwyd. Peter will be buried in the family plot in the St. Asaph’s cemetery. All are invited to a reception in the parish hall immediately following the service. To honor Peter’s love of music, donations may be made in his memory to University of Pennsylvania’s public radio station, WXPN, PO Box 8419, Philadelphia PA 19101. (attn. Deb Ashmore).

Tributes

Peter Stelzenmuller

November 6, 1961 - August 18, 2011