Peter Beltemacchi Obituary

Peter Beltemacchi - one of my favorites from a pretty good late 60s-early 70s IIT education

I (unexpectedly) reached Peter by phone at his IIT office on a pre-term, late summer 2009-10 day, to request help with a long-shot RFQ, mainly concerning a few arcane details of the old (thoroughly unique thus noteworthy) c. 1970 ARCH/Planning curriculum

And was very pleased to again be speaking with the same old 1) very dismissive 2) very humorous 3) very knowledgeable/informative/educational & 4) always helpful PB

God bless him & everybody else

P.S.: a favorite quote: “I have [x number of] sisters and they're all named ‘Mary'”….

favorite story: the homeless guy in Chicago (c.1970 0r earlier) who (briefly) owned a very old rug fragment

As IIT Prof, I had several of Peter's kids in my classes. As President of the IIT Faculty Club for many years, it was a pleasure to watch Peter enjoy life and share some of his Africa tales. He was a breath of fresh air. I will miss him. I retired this year so a little slow here but I just submitted a 2004 photo for all to enjoy.
ex-Prof Peter Johnson

My deepest condolences go out to Nan and all of Peter's family. Peter was my thesis advisor and a valued professor. My MCRP diploma hangs on my office wall and it is one of my happiest and proudest achievements. Thank you, Peter, for helping me to earn this credential that has been very important to my career. Joseph C Wiener CDT, AIA, NCARB

I was shocked to learn of Peter's death. He was one of Crown Hall's greatest treasures. . . an excellent educator and great, compassionate human being. My condolences to the Beltemacchi family.

Peter was one of the most gifted and kindest persons I have ever known. He made me think and he made me laugh.What more could you ask of a friend. I will miss him. My prayers now are for Nan and the big circle of family that Pete loved.
Nancy Gallagher McCready

My condolences to the Beltemacchi family. Peter shared his many gifts with the world, whether at Crown Hall, street corners in Chgo or villages in Africa. His influence on all of us as students, professionals and as human beings was profound.

It was because of Peter that I ended up at IIT as an administrator in the College of Architecture... those nine years were some of the happiest of my life... Peter was a wonderful friend and mentor... thank you Peter for all you gave... all the laughs.... and all the wonderful memories at Crown Hall.... ... my sympathies to Peter's delightful children and to his sweet Nan.... adios amigo...

My sympathies to all of the family. Peter and I were contemporaries at IIT as students and when I taught there from 1964-69. He was a great teacher who asked questions until you had to think about a question or a problem and discover a workable answer. His quick mind and sharp wit were always at work. He has had a profound impact on many successful professionals.

My deepest condolences go out to Nan and all of Peter's family. Peter was a favorite professor of mine while at IIT. His humor, teachings, and memory live on.

He was a great teacher and mentor. The analytical and problem solving skills he taught in Urban Planning, could easily be applied to life as well. I will miss the opportunity to see him at Crown Hall, but his teachings will continue to educate and inspire all those that I teach. My condolences to all his family, loved ones and my fellow classmates Class BCRP Class of '80 and MCRP '81.

Laura and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

MY SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY. I WAS A STUDENT OF PETER'S AT IIT. HE WAS BIGGER THAN LIFE AND AN IMPORTANT PART OF MY IIT CITY PLANNING EDUCATION. I STILL HAVE MY COPY OF ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINETENANCE. SPENT MANY HOURS DISCUSSION PLANNING ISSUES IN THE MOST CREATIVE WAYS. GOD REST HIS SOUL.

My condolences to Peter's family. He was a valued member of the faculty at IIT and his talents, insight and generous spirit will truly be missed.