Peter Kenneth Linden
May 18, 1952 - December 15, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Peter Kenneth Linden on December 15, 2025, at the age of 73.

Peter was born May 18, 1952 in Brooklyn, New York to Joseph and Dorothy Linden. The family relocated to White Meadow Lake, New Jersey where Peter was raised alongside his older brother Richard and twin sister Barbara. Peter was an active and independent child who excelled in sports, especially baseball and tennis, and gained a reputation as a bit of a prankster in the White Meadow Lake community.

Later on, Peter became an accomplished academic, starting his collegiate education at Rutgers University where he earned two Bachelors degrees in biology and physiology. He went on to obtain a doctoral degree of dental medicine from Boston College, followed by a medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College.

Peter started his career as a medical doctor completing a residency in anesthesiology at St. Elizabeth Hospital. He then moved to Washington, D.C. where he completed an internship and residency in internal medicine as well as a fellowship in infectious disease at George Washington University. Peter met and married MaryAnne Nelson, an oncology nurse at George Washington, and the two moved to Pittsburgh, PA in 1988 for an opportunity at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Here he completed two more fellowships before becoming the Director of the Transplant ICU, a position he held for 19 years while also publishing research in infectious disease that would positively impact the operation of ICUs around the world. Peter transferred to Allegheny General Hospital in 2009 where he served as the Director of Surgical Critical Care until retiring to part-time in 2025. Peter also held the title of professor at three universities and traveled to dozens of countries over the course of his career to share his research. Beyond his titles and accolades, Peter will be remembered by his colleagues as a brilliant medical mind, a clear and compassionate communicator with patients and families, and a pillar of consistency and calm in the face of crisis.

Beyond his illustrious career, Peter was a dedicated father to his four children, with whom he delighted in spending his time outside of work and sharing his personal interests. He imparted an appreciation for comedy across the ages, sports play and competition, and the rewards of raising canine children. His playful and loving spirit will be remembered and celebrated in games of Scrabble, Marx Brothers movie marathons, Weather Channel naps, chocolate bundt cakes, trips to Hilton Head Island, and most of all, in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

Peter is preceded in death by his loving wife, MaryAnne Nelson Linden, with whom he raised their four children, and his devoted partner, Shelly Young-Roy, with whom he spent the final years of his life.

Peter is survived by his children Joseph Linden, Hannah Linden, Catherine (Adrian) Piatkiewicz and Jack (Margaret) Linden, as well as his grandchildren Robyn, Clara, and Cameron. He is also survived by his siblings Richard Linden and Barbara Genovese. The family will host a memorial for Peter at his home on Saturday, January 3rd from 1 PM - 3 PM, with eulogies to be delivered at 2 PM. For more information on the memorial or where to send flowers, condolences, etc., please call Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. (412) 621-8282. www.schugar.com

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I will miss my brother for the rest of my life. He did so much good for so many people. An amazing and caring physician and loving parent.

By Richard Linden - January 16, 2026

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My heartfelt sympathy to all of Peter’s family. Thinking of you and wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time of sorrow…

By Mariola Piatkiewicz - January 03, 2026

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He was a great man. May his loving memory be a blessing.

By Konrad Piatkiewicz - January 02, 2026

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I met Peter when he began his critical care fellowship at UPMC and worked with him in the liver transplant ICUs. He.and Mary Ann became close friends, and it was always a pleasure to spend time with them and the kids. We bet on all the Biils Super Bowls ($1-we were really big spenders) and he never failed to compare his tan to my non-existent one after traveling to some warmer climate to impart his wisdom. More than once he crushed Mary Ann and I in tennis when we would play at some critical care conference we both attended. I had the privilege of meeting Shelly when they came to Kentucky for the Derby last May. I will miss talking and texting and visiting when I'm in the 'burgh. Rest easy, Peter.

By Lynn Kelso - January 01, 2026

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My deepest condolences to an extraordinary family 🙏

By Rusty Pharris - December 31, 2025

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Knowing the unique love and kinship of a brother is a great grounding force. Losing a brother leaves a weird sense of missing connection. My wish for the entire family is the connecting power of the memories that should be retold as stories over and over again. It lightens and shares the energy of his life, and with time, stitches the sadness into a new fabric.

By Jon Connolly - December 31, 2025

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