News
Peter Duttweiler, Alpha-1 author, support group leader, advocate for fellow veterans, dies at 62
Peter L. “Big Pete” Duttweiler, 62, of Onondaga, NY, died Dec. 11 of lung disease related to Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. He was well known as an Alpha-1 author, support group leader and since 1996, a prolific online researcher who posted Alpha-1 news updates regularly on the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency International Support Mailing List.
A strong advocate for Alpha-1 patients, Duttweiler formed a support group in 1994 to help others in Central New York state cope with Alpha-1.
He received national recognition for his book The Alpha Atlas, which featured more than 100 Alpha-1 patients from all over the United States and as far away as Denmark, England, Australia and New Zealand. He had also been featured in news segments on local television and newspapers.
Duttweiler was an Army veteran of the Vietnam war, and was passionate about helping fellow veterans get the benefits they earned through their service. While in Vietnam, Duttweiler was honored with the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Conspicuous Service Star.
He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen; his sisters, Johanne (Jim) Alexander, Gail McVicker and Christine Duttweiler; a brother, David (Sally) Duttweiler; his in-laws, Terri (Bill) Wright, Tim (Carol) Taylor, Dan (Ginny) Taylor, Tom (Mindy) Taylor, Vince (Beth) Taylor, Kate (Jeff) Youle, Mary (Eric) Falter, Marnie (Jeff) Gage and Pat Taylor; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A military service will be held Saturday at 10:30 am at Onondaga Veterans Cemetery, Howlett Hill Road in Syracuse. The family will receive friends at the Valley American Legion, Academy Street in Syracuse, at noon.
Contributions in his name may be made to the Disabled American Verterans, 344 W. Genesee St., Suite 203, Syracuse, NY 13202.
