Peter Ritchie Sites, born Sept. 5, 1954, died peacefully on Dec. 19, 2023, surrounded by love,.
Peter grew up in Vestal, New York, and graduated from Syracuse University. Post college, he began his construction business, building first in New York and then moving to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands where he lived and worked for most of his adult life. His creative and innovative work can be seen in many custom homes on Saint Thomas and Saint Croix, USVI and in Jost Van Dyke and Tortola, the British Virgin Islands.
Peter was a co-founder and partner in Caribbean Energy Opportunities which was awarded several large commercial contracts on both St. Thomas and St. Croix Islands, the most notable being the solar array at the St. Thomas airport.
He was also a co-founder and partner of All Rounder Systems which was awarded the contract to install all the fiber optics for St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island.
The relaxed atmosphere of the islands suited Peter well. He had a warm and genuine smile, a story for every occasion and was always ready for an adventure.
He was an avid sailor and crew member of the winning Rolex Regatta aboard the Longhorn yacht. Peter loved to listen to and play music, was a passionate reader, and seldom met a stray dog or cat he didn’t give a home to.
After moving to Broken Bow, Okla., in 2017, Peter delighted in his life with Carolyn, Renee, his “boss of applesauce” and their dog Bella Donna. He loved his role as “Pops” and found joy in the daily routines he shared with Carolyn and Renee.
Peter is survived by his loving partner, Carolyn Bailey and Renee, age 6; his siblings: David, Jeremy and Martha Sites; as well as his niece: Margaret (Joseph) Kite and their children: Donovan, Quinn and Abigail Green (Tarean).
Peter was preceded in death by his parents: Elizabeth Riley Sites and the Rev. W. Kilmer Sites.
As Peter expressed recently, he had lived a “vibrantly beautiful life” and will be forever missed by those who loved him.
A private service will be held followed by a Celebration of Life later this summer at Rogers Rock, Lake George, Ticonderoga, N.Y.
