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
    John Reed says:
    Dear Erbe family, It is with true sadness and surprise that I read this morning of Pete's death. I extend to all of you my sincere and profound condolences. I am a Hotchkiss alumnus and have worked for the School for 20 years. It was during the great Class of 1955's 50th reunion planning and preparations when I worked closely with Pete and got to know his incredible enthusiasm not just for Hotchkiss but for family and life. More recently I spoke with Pete on April 10 when I called simply to "check in" in light of the pandemic to see how he and all of you were doing. He concluded that call by saying "You have made my day," a sentiment that was most mutual. Be well and best wishes, John Reed

  • July 30, 2020
    Mary Winfree says:
    I am so very sorry and saddened to learn of Pete's passing. Pete and I developed a relationship through Kiwanis. He clearly served because he cared about positively impacting the lives of children. Pete was kind, thoughtful, and always a perfect gentleman. It was an honor to know him. To know him was to love him. He will surely be missed. My deepest condolences to all who loved him.

  • July 16, 2020
    David Percival says:
    Pete and I were roommates at Middlebury freshman year. We both were in the Army, and crossed paths in Vietnam and later at reunions. He represented only the highest values of an officer and a gentleman. Peace-

  • July 14, 2020
    Donna Spinelli says:
    my husband Emil and I met Pete through Kiwanis. He interviewed us prior to being approved for membership. He was honest, forthright and it was so obvious to us he was a proud American. Whenever we asked him how he was feeling or how his latest travels were he always said "Outstanding", Pete Erbe, an outstanding man, a life well live a rest well earned. our deepest condolences to his many friends and family.

  • July 13, 2020
    Art Dietrich says:
    You have fulfilled your duties in an exemplary manner. Rest In Peace Soldier.....A job well done.