Peter Benjamin “Pete” Schenck

Schenck—Peter Benjamin “Pete” Schenck, 87, on April 30, 2025, from complications due to dementia, in New Orleans, La. Pete was born on March 30, 1938, to Mary Virginia Slicer Schenck and John Ernest Schenck in Philadelphia, Pa. He grew up primarily in Cecil County, Md., and attended St. John’s College in Annapolis, Md., where he earned his bachelor’s degree and met his wife, Patience “Pat” Schenck (they later separated). Pete went on to earn a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Pete and Pat were founding members of Annapolis Meeting. He also acted as caretaker at Adelphi Meeting for several years and was a member of Friends Meeting of Washington (D.C.). In 2014, he moved to New Orleans to be near to his son, Ben, and his family and became active in Friends Meeting of New Orleans.

Pete held a strong concern and respect for neurodivergent and homeless people, and his professional life reflected these commitments. He worked at various Maryland psychiatric hospitals, day programs, and group homes. In one of his most rewarding accomplishments, he led the establishment of a greenhouse at Henryton State Hospital where the patients could engage in their community and experience success by raising and caring for plants.

In what Pete felt was the most meaningful and satisfying phase of his work life, he finished his career doing outreach work among the homeless population in Washington, D.C. Working with various local organizations, he roamed the streets bringing people food, blankets, and warm socks; and helped people access medical and social services and affordable housing. His acceptance of and humility among people with extensive and challenging needs enabled them to trust him. He genuinely enjoyed their company and hearing their stories and had the ability to acknowledge the dignity of people who were sometimes very different from him, which continues to inspire many who knew him.

A great enthusiasm for so many things radiated from Pete. For several years, he never missed a contra dance at Glen Echo Park, or a Gospel sing. His interest and joy in all things folkloric, the origin of words, as well as political philosophy, among other things, was infectious. His boundless curiosity was surely one of the most memorable features of his personality.

He was a devoted father to his two children and their spouses and was an exuberant grandfather of three.

Pete was predeceased by his parents and his younger sister, Mary Virginia Schenck Schwartz.

He is survived by two children, John “Ben” Schenck (Ama Rogan) and Sarah Schenck (Christian Baessler); three grandchildren; and two brothers, John Ernest Schenck (Becky) and Martin Nelson Schenck. His former wife and mother of his children, Pat Schenck, passed away 65 days later on July 4, 2025.