Peter Van Orman

Peter Van Orman, 92, of Burlington, MA, formerly of Dedham, Canton, and Milton, passed away on October 18, 2026—the birthday of his beloved wife, Beverly, who would have turned 93 that day. The son of Jean O’Gara Van Orman and John Wayne Van Orman, Peter was born in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, NY, and raised in Short Hills, NJ. He attended the Pingry School, MIT, Columbia College, and BU Medical School. 

Peter had many interests throughout his life. He enjoyed woodworking, riding, sailing, squash, and skiing. At a young age, he joined the Junior Essex Troop at the South Orange Armory, a unique, highly disciplined youth cavalry and cadet organization closely tied to the NJ National Guard’s famed Essex Troop. His father taught him how to work wood. Together they built a wooden sailboat in their basement. Beginning at age 14, Peter spent summers sailing his boat in races at the Stage Harbor Yacht Club in Chatham. 

In the summer of 1953, Peter met Bev, his wife of 73 years, while working as a greensman at Eastward Ho! Country Club in Chatham. They eloped in February 1954 while both were in college. 

Peter enjoyed a prosperous and fulfilling career as an otolaryngologist. A highly regarded surgeon, he and his partner, Les Silverstein, founded a medical practice with several offices. Known for his dry sense of humor and considerable charm, Peter was adored by his patients and staff alike. He also mentored several younger physicians. 

Over the years, Peter was affiliated with Norwood, Brockton, Goddard Memorial, and Cardinal Cushing hospitals, where he served on several committees. He was known for his candor and diplomacy. Peter and Bev were lifelong members of Allin Congregational Church, where he served on the finance committee. 

In midlife, Peter returned to riding, taking up three-day eventing and working diligently to improve his skills. Peter and Bev spent three months in the Cotswolds, England, while Peter trained at The Horse Trust, a U.S. Olympic horseback-riding facility. He was a member of the Dover Hunt Club, where he made wonderful friends. 

Peter was also a voracious reader. Later in life, he could often be found reading in his favorite chair, overlooking the beautiful gardens that Beverly lovingly nurtured. Although Pete and Bev enjoyed separate interests, they shared a love of skiing. Once their children were grown, they enjoyed skiing in Europe as members of a close-knit ski club. 

For many years, they spent summers and winter weekends in Campton, NH. Later, they renovated a 200-year-old farmhouse in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. The area reminded them of the Cape, which they had loved as teenagers. They quickly became part of the Mahone Bay community and made friends from around the world. 

Peter is survived by his children, Catherine Van Orman, of Natick, MA; Wayne Van Orman and his wife, Mim, of Concord, MA; Elizabeth Stafford and her husband, Joe, of Derry, NH; and Susan Weaver and her partner, Steve Baum, of Boston, MA. He is also survived by his sister, Jeanne Van Orman; his nephew, Frank Van Orman, and his wife, Ira; and his niece, Bay Brown, and their children. 

Peter was predeceased by his beloved wife, Beverly; his son, Matthew; and his parents. He is survived by eleven grandchildren: Lindsey Yeaton Stigers (husband, Brandon), Matthew Yeaton (partner, Katie DeMarco), Caitlin Yeaton Smedberg (husband, Pete), Heather Van Orman, Michael Van Orman (wife, Katie), Pascal Looper (wife, Lyann Portfilio-Mathieu), Pierre Looper, Megan Weaver Twedt (husband, Nate), Corbin Weaver (husband, Sam Weidner), Skylar Weaver, and Sam Weaver. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Abby, Jack, Owen, Caroline, Grace, Drew, Marlo, Mason, and Emerson. 

Calling hours will be held Friday, November 6, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. at Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton St., Dedham, MA. 

A luncheon will follow at Neroli Ristorante, 282 Washington St., Westwood, MA. All are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to Allin Congregational Church, 683 High St., Dedham, MA 02026.