Peter Whitney Dustira passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, from complications of lung cancer. He was born on December 21, 1946, in New York City to Alice Merrill Stauderman and spent his school years in the Bata Shoe company town of Belcamp, Md.
Peter graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in industrial design, married Kathleen Barry, and moved to Vermont to begin a long career in various woodcraft and design jobs. They had two girls, Sarah and Anna. For many years he had his own business, Dustira Cabinets, in Georgia, Vt., designing and building exquisite, refined custom furniture and kitchens.
Peter moved to South Burlington and married Sarah Weber in 1993. They had two children, Maria and Tom. He transformed their suburban backyard into a tiny orchard, cultivating apples and pears, blueberries, raspberries and currants. He was king of the barbecue, kitchen and espresso machine, always looking for an occasion to grill a brisket or try a new recipe — especially if it was pie. Peter loved spending time with family, attending his kids’ activities, making jellies from fruit he grew, visiting art and history museums, walking in the woods, watching for wildlife, and being on the water in his kayak or canoe. Black-and-white film photography was another love, and he did amazing series of industrial landscapes, staged still lifes and natural scenes. He never stopped designing and building for his home and family. After his retirement, he and Sarah traveled as much as they could, both in Europe and the U.S., with New Mexico becoming a favorite destination.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah Weber; children, Sarah (Kevin) Camisa, Anna (Eduardo) Dustira Bretas, Maria (Harry) Newell and Thomas Dustira; grandchildren, Zachary Dustira, Madison Camisa, Meadow and Ivy Newell, and Benjamin Dustira Bretas; five step-grandchildren; great granddaughter, Eloise; sister, Alicia Dustira; and three half-siblings he connected with as an adult. He is predeceased by his parents, Alice and Vincent Dustira.