Peter Nicholas Puerling

March 25, 1935 - Feb. 26, 2026

Peter Nicholas Puerling, 90 years of age, passed away peacefully in Herndon, Va., on Feb. 26, 2026.

He was born on March 25, 1935, in Port Washington, Wis., to Peter J. and Julia (Fieber) Puerling.

Pete proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy after graduating from the NROTC program at Marquette University in 1957, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in economics.

He became a commissioned officer upon graduation, subsequently earning the designation of a naval aviator in May 1960 after completion of flight training. He made four combat tours in Vietnam. He primarily flew A-4 Skyhawk and A-7 Corsair II light attack aircraft, accumulating more than 850 carrier landings. He was highly decorated throughout his 30 years of service and took every opportunity to reunite with former squadron mates as well as high school friends and extended family after his retirement. His mantra was God, family and country.

In addition to retiring as a captain in the Navy, he obtained a master’s degree in business management from Central Michigan University, which made for a natural transition to private industry as a government contractor and bookkeeper. He added the role of an enrolled agent and prepared tax returns for clients for many years until 2021, when he fully retired!

He spent much of his spare time volunteering at his church and helping others in the community.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Helene (Baudoin), who passed away in 2010 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He was also preceded in death by his parents and brother Mark.

He is survived by his five daughters, Jeanne Hoover, Julie (Mark) Goeringer, Jacqueline (Wayne) Jacobs, Joanne (Jerry) Claytor and Joy (Darin) Palmer. He was the proud grandfather of David Hoover, Jessica Goeringer (Brian Gerike), Catherine Swift (Kaleb), Craig Goeringer, Christine Jacobs, Colleen Jacobs, Emma Claytor, Wyatt Palmer and Cody Palmer.

He is further survived by his siblings Paul (Patricia) Puerling, Joan Houpt (Wayne, deceased) and Philip (Ellen) Puerling, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was blessed to have many friendships within his church community and his neighborhood.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden St., Herndon, Va. 20170. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 750 Peachtree St., Herndon, Va. 20170.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.