Peter James Focht, 26, of Rodanthe, N.C., passed away Dec. 9, 2023, at home surrounded by his family and those who cared for him. Pete was born in Altoona, the son of Molly Jo (McKnight) Focht and James M. Focht.
Pete spent most of his life in what he called “the most beautiful place on earth,” where he went to grade school at Hatteras Elementary and matriculated to Cape Hatteras Secondary School for his high school diploma.
Surviving are his father and best friend, James M. Focht, of Rodanthe, N.C.; a brother, Jack Q. Barnes of Altoona; and sister, Charley A. Waterfield of Waves, N.C.; grandparents, John and Alice McKnight of Altoona; uncles: Shawn (Becky) McKnight of Zionsville, Ind., Todd (Michelle) McKnight of Crystal Lake, Ill., and John Focht of Phoenix, Ariz.; and aunts: Judy Grove of New Bern, N.C., Alison (Reid) Badger of Purcellville, Va., and Laura Bevan of Hollidaysburg; and many cousins who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Molly, and his paternal grandparents.
Pete was confined to a wheelchair for most of his life but was never bitter or complained. He always had a positive attitude for a young man suffering with the devastation of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He was my hero. Pete completed an associate’s degree from College of The Albemarle by traveling from Rodanthe to Manteo three days a week to attend in-person classes.
Pete was a Notre Dame Football fan and a die-hard Cubs fan, always rooting for the underdog by nature.
Pete had many lifelong friends in his close-knit community of Hatteras Island: Austin, Seth and Avery were with him until the end.
Peter will be laid to rest on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Committal at Calvary Cemetery.
