Newburyport - Newburyport - Peter John Tietjen of Newburyport, MA, died on April 19, 2025, at his home of ischemic cardiomyopathy, his sister, Andrea Tietjen Merrill, of Norwalk, CT, said. He was 78.

Born October 5,1946, in New York City, Mr. Tietjen was the son of the late Yolanda Elisa Giorni Tietjen FitzGerald and the late Andrew Tietjen. His mother was descended from Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen on her father's side and from early settlers from England to Massachusetts on her mother's side. His father was an organist and choral conductor at several Episcopal churches in New York City. Andrew Tietjen had studied under and was assistant to Dr. T. Tertius Noble at St. Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue and, at Andrew's death in 1953 at age 42, was associate organist at Trinity Church Wall Street and directed a weekly CBS Radio broadcast of his choir, the Trinity Choir of St. Paul's Chapel.

Peter Tietjen's family moved to Ridgewood, NJ, in 1950. He attended public schools there, then transferred to Mount Hermon School in Northfield, MA, in 1961, graduating in 1964. In 1961 Peter's mother married a childhood friend, after being widowed eight years. Her new husband, Richard Farrington FitzGerald, provided love and warmth to his new family and was an important presence in all their lives until his death in 1990 at age 67 in Darien, CT.

Peter attended Tufts University 1964-1966, majoring in chemical engineering, then served in the U.S. Navy 1966-1972 on active duty. He served as an electronics technician, specializing in voice-encryption devices as well as UHF and VHF transceivers, working chiefly in support of amphibious warfare and special warfare units, including the underwater demolition (UDT-21) and SEAL 2 teams. Mr. Tietjen resumed his college education at Rutgers University, majoring in English (honors) and history. He started Ph.D work at Rutgers (English) but withdrew after one year to accept a post with the dean of the college.

Peter was a fine athlete, as co-captain of the soccer team at Mount Hermon School and discus-thrower in college.

Peter loved music and musical instruments. He was an excellent guitarist, but was particularly fond of the 5-string banjo, which he learned to play with proficiency, inspired by his friend the great Bill Keith. Peter was also very generous, giving instruments to people he considered as having true potential.

Peter had a distinguished career as a publications editor, preparing style manuals, editing newspapers (The Home News in New Brunswick, NJ; The Patriot Ledger in Quincy, MA; PC Week; PC/Computing at Ziff Davis; and volumes in the Country Studies / Area Handbook Program at the Library of Congress. He was an avid reader and book collector and a lifelong learner. He was a devoted family member and friend, and he enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Peter Tietjen is survived by his sister, Andrea Tietjen Merrill of Norwalk, CT, nephews Bradley Clark and Andrew Merrill; Bradley and Andrew's children, William Clark, Samuel Clark, Madeline Clark, Kiernan Byrne, Octavia Merrill, and Clementine Merrill; step-niece and step-nephew Christi Merrill and John Merrill; and Christi and John's children, Sadie Cutler, Abigail Merrill, Lillian Merrill, and Ella Merrill. Additionally, he is survived by a loving extended family and a host of devoted friends.

Memorial gatherings will be private, as will interment. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High St., Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mr. Tietjen's family with his arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to organizations at the discretion of the donors.

To offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com.