Henry Herman Erbe, Jr.

December 9, 1936 - July 6, 2020
Henry Herman Erbe, Jr.

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Henry “Pete” Erbe Jr., passed away at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, NC on July 6th — A man who gave freely of him self to all he encountered; his wife, Dana Parker Erbe, their four children, Hank (Henry) Erbe, Peter Schwartz, Mark Steven Erbe,daughter, Lauren Schwartz Nash and eight grandchildren.

He was born in 1936 in Otis, Mass, the son of Dr. Henry and Mrs. Cornelia Prindle Erbe. He grew up with his sister, Carolyn Erbe Gangloff, and brother Sumner Prindle Erbe. His parents were loving mentors with high expectations. Pete enjoyed recounting that he attended a two room elementary school in Otis before finally matriculating to The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. There he was captain of both the football and ski teams and learned the values of discipline, teamwork and academia. He often explained to loved ones how these values contributed to his success as a parent, teacher, coach, community volunteer and military leader.

Attending Middlebury College- he was a member of the ROTC program and went on to serve in the U.S. Army for 21 years. Pete was stationed in Germany, Vietnam, Korea, and USMA, West Point among others. He also earned two masters degrees which enabled him to teach at West Point. While at the Military Academy, in 1980 he was recognized as the “Outstanding Military Educator” and given the William P. Clements award. He retired a Lt. Col. having been awarded the Bronze Star and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Upon retirement from the military he was Vice President Fortune Franchise Group and Dunhill Personnel Systems.

He and Dana then moved down to North Carolina where he dove into community and volunteer service in Southport and Leland, NC. He was an instructor at Brunswick County Academy and taught the Career Development Program. He joined Kiwanis, an organization whose motto is “Serving the Children of the World”. He served Kiwanis in the Southport/Oak Island Chapter and North Brunswick. He was elected both President and Lt. Governor and received the honor of being named Kiwanian of the Year and the George Hixson Fellowship award. He volunteered as part of the Community in Schools program, and especially enjoyed the time he spent at Kid’s Academy where he worked with under-served 4 year olds.

Pete was a man of remarkable integrity. He was always there for those in need and would do whatever was necessary. On the sidelines at an athletic event he was a force to be reckoned with. One might even say loud. A member of The Bridge Presbyterian Church, he was a man of strong personal faith– you knew you had a good man on your team when he shook your hand and said he would pray for you or your loved one that evening.

In service to his country, his community, his family and his friends he was second to none. It was unquestioned. There was about him the aura of a military man coupled with a remarkable humanity. A good man of humble origins who touched so many, he will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to North Brunswick Kiwanis, PO Box 391, Leland NC 28451 would be greatly appreciated.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403
910.791.9099


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  • July 13, 2020
    Daniel Dodge says:
    I met Pete through our membership in the Leland American Legion. Come to find out, Pete and I were both serving the US Army at West Point during the same time but in different capacities. I will remember him as a kind and friendly person. He will be missed by family, friends and acquaintances.

  • July 13, 2020
    Lynn Duffy says:
    I only knew Pete for a short time as a new member of Kiwanis. It was clear right from the start what a special man he was. I will miss him. My prayers are with you during this trying time.

  • July 13, 2020
    Donna Spinelli says:
    my husband Emil and First Met Pete through Kiwanis. He was in charge of the membership committee and came to our home to interview us both. He was forthright, a gentleman and his love of country was made loud an clear. Over the years I had the honor to work with Pete in Peer Court at the middle School and ran into him there when we were meeting with our lunch buddies. Whenever asked how he was feeling or how he enjoyed a place he had been he always said “Outstanding”. Pete Erbe an outstanding man, with a life well lived and a rest well earned.

  • July 13, 2020
    Donna Spinelli says:
    Both my husband Emil and I Met Pete through Kiwanis. He came to our Home as part of the interview process as he was in charge of the membership committee. He was forthright, a gentleman who certainly loved his country. Over the years I worked with Pete on Peer court and ran into him at the middle school when we were both doing lunch buddies. Whoever asked him how he was or how he enjoyed the time he spent away he always say “Outstanding” Pete Erbe an outstanding man, a life well lived a rest well earned.

  • July 09, 2020
    Leon Rooks- Chaplin SENCLAND MOAA says:
    We are saddened to learn of Pete Erbe’s passing. Pete was such a positive, friendly person. We always enjoyed his company at the MOAA luncheons. The membership of SENCLAND MOAA sends its condolences to the family at this difficult time.