Peter Van Ryswick

Peter Van Ryswick, 81, of Leonardtown, MD, a devoted husband, father, grandfather as well as a pillar of the farming community and mentor to many, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025. He was born on September 29, 1944, in Leonardtown, Maryland, and was the son of Joseph Francis “Pete” Van Ryswick and Frances Teresa Beall. Peter is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Patricia “Patty” Harding Van Ryswick and their three children Michael Van Ryswick (Mary), Karen Van Ryswick Pirchio (John), and Stephen Van Ryswick (Dorothy); and his grandchildren Michael “Mikey” Van Ryswick, Nicole Sage, Lindsey Pirchio, Sara Van Ryswick, Sara Sage, Nicholas “Nick” Pirchio, Derek Van Ryswick, Natalie Pirchio, Matthew Van Ryswick and Kyle Van Ryswick. Peter leaves behind two sisters, Margaret “Peggy” Wathen and Evelyn Ryce. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and 3 brothers, Joseph “Jody”, Leonard “Lenny”, and David. Peter devoted his life to the land he worked and the family he loved. He also touched many lives through his work as an Agriculture Laboratory Assistant with Vocational Agricultural Science Program at Chopticon High School working with the FFA and Voc-Ag students and part of the Vocational Training program at the St. Mary’s Technical Center working with the welding, horticulture and carpentry programs, and as an Electrician with the Maintenance Department of St. Mary’s County Public Schools. Peter was deeply involved in the community that he valued through his many years as a member of the St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau where he had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors including eight years as Vice President, a member to the St. Mary’s County Fair Board for nine years, a member of the St. Mary’s Agriculture, Seafood, and Foresty Board, and an active volunteer in the 4-H program. This hardworking, family-centered, kindhearted man will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. Donations can be made to St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau, with a notation for “Peter Van Ryswick Scholarship Fund.” Checks sent to: St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau, 26737 Radio Station Way, Suite G, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.