Following graduation in 1967 from Rutgers University, Pete was commissioned and served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. During the Vietnam War, Pete was a platoon commander and was decorated for his leadership in combat.

Pete and his wife Beth have two children and four grandchildren and reside in Columbia, MD. Pete  serves on the board of directors and chair of finance committees of several local charities including Howard County General Hospital Foundation, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine.