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Pete Mumber, age 84, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 5, 2026, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of faith, Pete lived a life rooted in love, family, and unwavering values.
Pete was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the son of John and Julia Mumber. He was the brother of Betty Soety and Joe Mumber.
Pete earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University and went on to build a long and successful career in the steel industry. He spent nearly 30 years with Bethlehem Steel in Steelton, Pennsylvania, where he served as a General Manager at the Frog and Switch manufacturing location. Later in his career, he continued sharing his expertise with several smaller steel companies, working in Hogansville, Georgia; Hagerstown, Maryland; Cleveland, Ohio; and Chicago, Illinois.
A man of deep Catholic faith, Pete served as a Eucharistic Minister in his parish and remained devoted to prayer, the Sacraments, and his relationship with God throughout his life.
His faith guided him in both joyful and challenging times and was the foundation of how he lived and loved.
Pete was a devoted family man who gave generously of his time and energy. He coached many of his children’s and grandchildren’s sports teams and spent countless hours cheering them on—from pool decks to sidelines. He was always present, always supportive, and always proud.
In a true reflection of his servant heart, Pete stepped away from his career to help his son, Matt, build and maintain a mountaintop retreat center in Rome, Georgia—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting cancer patients in their recovery. Pete and his beloved wife of 61 years, Arlene, spent 20 wonderful years in Rome before moving to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where they enjoyed their retirement.
Together, Pete and Arlene traveled extensively across multiple continents and created lasting memories with their children and grandchildren, especially on many cherished trips to Walt Disney World.
Pete also found joy in the simple things. He was an avid San Francisco Giants baseball fan and a loyal New York Giants football fan, always enjoying the opportunity to watch a game and share that experience with others. He was also an amateur artist, fisherman, and a Christmas cookie maker extraordinaire—bringing creativity, warmth, and a little extra sweetness to the holidays and to those around him.
More than anything, Pete showed his love through everyday acts of care—looking after Arlene, offering guidance and wisdom, supporting his family, and being present in the moments that mattered most. Even the smallest gestures reflected his character and built a lifetime of memories for those who loved him.
Pete is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Arlene K. Mumber; his children, Matthew Mumber (Laura), Mary Kincaid (Jeff), Lorrie Heiken (Jim), and Michelle Clay; his grandchildren, Joe Kincaid, Peter Clay, Katie Schaekel (Austin), Kimberly Chan (Dennis), Matt Heiken (Jordan), Elizabeth Kincaid, Molly Hixson (Tanner), John “JT” Mumber, Samson Mumber(Josie), Katelyn Kincaid, Marcus Mumber, Rhian Moore, his great-grandchildren, Sophia, Stella, Adelaide, Heidi, Emelia, Arthur, and Harrison; and his siblings, Betty Soety and Joe Mumber as well as his nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Julia Mumber, and his brother-in-law, Rex Soety.
Pete will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His love, strength, and kindness shaped the lives of his family and friends in lasting ways. He had a special way of welcoming people, making everyone feel like part of the Mumber family.
As a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend, Pete lived with integrity, humility, and a steady commitment to doing what is right.
Pete’s life was a testament to faith, family, and service. We take comfort in knowing that Christ’s love is stronger than death and trust that Pete has been welcomed home into the arms of the Lord.
“May the angels lead you into Paradise; may the saints come to greet you; and may perpetual light shine upon you.”
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider offering a Mass of remembrance for Pete at your place of worship.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peter Richard Mumber, please visit our floral store.