Peter M. Thiel

Peter Michael Thiel, age 87, died peacefully at home Saturday, December 7th surrounded by his loving family. 

Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia on July 3rd, 1937, to Ludwig and Maria Thiel, Peter had a bold and entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. He learned valuable lessons about freedom and liberty, which he cherished here in America. Peter and his parents emigrated from Yugoslavia to Philadelphia the week of Christmas 1957. As an avid fisherman, within his first week on U.S. soil he met “The Catch of His Life”, Alice, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in North Philadelphia. Together they enjoyed 65 years of marriage! 

Peter’s entrepreneurial spirit combined with Alice’s love and support, created an unstoppable team dedicated to the creation of Peter’s Salon Tres’ Chic established in 1962 in West Chester. Together, they revolutionized hairdressing and fashion in America by introducing European style and flair. Professionally, Peter was always innovative in his design and techniques within the salon. He cared deeply about educating his team and served his clients with the utmost care. He was a member of the Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and National Cosmetology Associations. His contributions to those organizations included teaching and mentoring fellow professionals as well as judging competitions. As a young man, Peter competed in and won many awards for hairstyling competitions. Peter was an accomplished and passionate educator of his craft. Among his proudest achievements was the success of his children and grandchildren in this profession. Peter and Alice together, created a legacy of four generations of stylists. Peter touched thousands of lives and inspired many up until his retirement in 2011. To this day, many of the original clientele and families remain loyal to Peter’s Salon as well as his stylists, whom he had treated like his own family. He exemplified the true meaning of hard work, steadfast dedication, and was impeccable to his word. 

Peter would always comment that his greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He and Alice created a loving atmosphere that was so unique that even after working together all week, they still gathered every weekend down the shore boating, fishing, and eating blue claw crabs! As the family grew with in-laws and grandchildren, these traditions continued, and the family was strengthened through meaningful conversation, good laughs and life lessons.

Peter also shared a strong passion for photography. He was a man who lived in the moment and documented it well. He never missed an opportunity to support his children and grandchildren in all of their ventures and he was always there to capture the joyful moments with his camera. He was a patient man and an enthusiastic gardener. Peter adapted the principles of gardening to his daily life and knew that all good things in this world need nourishment and diligence. Peter had a unique way of reading a room full of people and figuring out the dynamics. He was incredibly intuitive and tuned in to the feelings of others and was a dedicated and trusted confidant. The life lessons he learned from the thousands of clients that sat in his chair helped reinforce his core values and unwaivable character. 

Peter is preceded in death by his parents Ludwig and Maria Thiel, and his mother-in-law Eugenie Morgenstern. 

He is survived by his loving wife Maria Alice (Wink), and four children Michael (Carol), Christine O'Brien (John), Suzanne Poluch (Joseph), Karin Minnier (Scott). Thirteen grandchildren: Christopher, Nicholas, Tyler, Peter, Trevor, Dionna, Olivia, Lauren, Lindsay, Lia, Max, Sydney and Ava. Also, his eight great-grandchildren: Wilder, Henric, Mason, Isabel, Bowen, Brooklyn, Noah and Estee. 

Above all, Peter was a loving husband who shared a beautiful and genuine marriage with his wife Alice, the love of his life.

Services and interment are private. The Family would like to invite everyone to a Celebration of Peter’s Life 1:00-5:00 PM, Friday, December 13, 2024 at The Mendenhall Inn, 323 Kennett Pike, Chadds Ford, PA  19317.