Donald Pete Sternloff

Donald “Pete” Sternloff of Bluefield passed from this life on December 2, 2023.

Pete was born in Manhattan on July 10, 1941, to the late Donald and Frances (Fran) Sternloff.  Pete was a preemie baby weighing barely 2 pounds and was nicknamed “Peanut”, which evolved into “Pete.”

Pete moved to California with his family and attended high school and college there.  A few months after his 22nd birthday, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  Pete attended OCS, was stationed in various locations, got married, earned a Bronze Star, and after serving 4 years and one month,  was honorably discharged as a Captain.  He was a member of Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter #628, of Princeton, WV.  He served on the Bluefield City Board from 2009-2013 and was a member of both the Rotary and Lions Club.  Pete was affiliated with Unity of Kanawha Valley Church

Pete, who lived in 10 different states during his working career,  designed a special brake shoe for large trucks, which connected him to Bluefield as part of a joint venture with Truck City Parts. Pete and his wife Patricia (Reimer) Sternloff  moved to Bluefield in 1992.  Those 32 years were the longest Pete resided anywhere.  Pat preceded him to Eternity in 2008.

Pete was co-owner of The Ugly Duckling Antique Store in downtown Bluefield and former co-owner of East River Arts.  Pete loved music in general and the guitar in particular.  In fact, Pete collected guitars and had a guitar lesson the day before his passing.  

Pete and Pat were parents of Scott, their only child, who survives along with fiancé, Desiree McHale.  Additional survivors include grandchildren Connor and wife Autumn, Nicholas, and Jillian.  He is also survived by his only sibling, Michael, and his wife and children.  

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 27th at The Club On The Green (formerly Bluefield Country Club/Elks lodge).  Visitation with family and friends will be from 4:30-6:00pm with a short Eulogy at 6:00pm. A reception will follow, with refreshments and live music. The public is invited, and the event is casual.