A memorial service will be held at Saint Edward’s School’s Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, March 2nd at 2:00pm, with a live stream available for friends and family at a distance.

Rest easy my friend. Music was always your first love and your accomplishments in life reflected that love. I remember the snowball battles on Dillon St and all of the fun we had as youngins.. God speed, Pete.

His artistry regularly graced our services at Trinity Episcopal Church, and he was a valued friend and colleague to me there. I williss him greatly.

I was just a kid when I first heard him perform with the Continentals at Down’s Park. I was in awe. He was such a great musician and so inspiring. Later in life we crossed paths again and I played under his baton for a number of musicals at McDonogh. We got to know each other pretty well. Funny how life comes around full circle like that sometimes. I’ve thought about him many times over the years. Pete was a really great guy and he’s left many of us with some wonderful memories to hold on to.

So many great memories of Pete, his playing Oktoberfest in Ft Laud was always a fun one, then off to Ole Heidelberg for dinner. Pete will always have a special place in my heart ❤️

Take your rest dear Pete, love forever

The list of folks that I will shoot commercial grade explosives with is fairly small, and it just got smaller! I’m bummed that we haven’t been able to link up for a shoot post COVID, but I’ll treasure the last one I had with Pete at College Park some time ago. Pete and I have waltzed through similar circles for many years; performing arts circles, pyro circles, and I was grateful to have staffed calls with him. I always appreciated his smile, sense of humor, and the way that he treated his crews. I wouldn’t want to wait hours upon hours for a truck with another group of folks than our MD pyro team. Thinking of you, Shelby <3

Rest in peace, Pete. You were such a smart, fun, giving, creative force. I’m so glad that we spent time together and that you were my friend.

Pete was a wonderful musician, educator, and friend. I was fortunate to have worked with him at Saint Edwards School during his battle. Pete never let the battle with cancer impede his work at school or during a music performance. I enjoyed his company and working with him was always a pleasure. He will be missed by so many. Condolences to Shelby, his family, friends and students. Gone too soon…

Mr. Hengen (Pete) was indeed a “Once in a lifetime” teacher. I had the privilege of being in his McDonogh School band from 1995-1997. He facilitated and cultivated an experience that instilled a life-long love of music while exemplifying the best qualities a person can possess: integrity, kindness, humor, and compassion amongst countless others. He has had a profound impact on my life— one that I’ll forever appreciate and cherish. My sincerest condolences to his loved ones.

25 years ago in a field in VA “Herbs Farm”.. I walked past this trailer and saw this guy sitting in the back fusing something or trying to make something.. It was Pete Hengen.. Now all these years later we have shot Fireworks all over the word. We shot the ashes of fallen friends and their children, we have won competitions. we have travelled to China, Germany, Trinidad and all over the USA. We learned so much..

I even shot a show for the Band at McDonogh School spring concert long ago. . While Pete was the conductor and the teacher in the band shell, I was shooting shells over the top as those students had a night I am sure they remember even to this day..

Pete taught me a-lot, he was a teacher, and a friend. And the most important lesson I learned was the Journey is the reward…

See the destination always ends like this.. Typing into a little box trying to summarize the “Dash” of life… So we all need to forget about the destination and make the journey the reward, every day.

Pete was a part of so many journeys indeed. Go read the poem “the dash” … Today is a good time to read it again.. I can say Pete made my dash better, my journey more rewarding and my life richer.. As I know he has done for more people then any of realize.

“I always thought there would be more time”… The most dangerous thought I have had,.. The last lesson Pete taught me, is there never is more time.. All we have is the moment..

Rest in peace my friend.. I will see you somehow and some way, I have faith.

Mr. Hengen gave me the love for music I have today. He was patient, kind, and could let anyone find an instrument to play. I am thankful for his mentorship and he was a wonderful person. My condolences to his loved ones.

I had the pleasure of working at the McDonogh Middle School as a German teacher with Pete for many years. He supported many of my projects like the Multicultural Fair (where he played music and launched confetti rockets), the Oktoberfest in Eddies Gym (where he played great German sing- along songs), played in the polka band at the Baltimore Armory Building for the Baltimore Oktoberfest (where I took my German students every year), chaperoned field trips to Hershey Park (where we enjoyed talking on the bus ride) and even gave me saxophone lessons, as I had a dream of becoming the next Kenny G. I lived up the street on Chapel Hill Dr and remember the special train garden he set up on his lawn outside at Christmas time. Also, I had the pleasure of teaching Josh who was such a talented German student!! I am very thankful for his creative support and friendship. He has gone too soon and will be deeply missed. Sending my prayers and condolences to his family and loved ones.

I had the pleasure of serving with Pete on the board of The Crackerjacks in the early 2000s. In my mid-20s at the time, I was often looked at as a “kid”, but Pete always treated me with respect and kindness. I distinctly remember the time he hauled an organ into the middle of the field, not only providing the music for the fireworks show, but I believe we actually wired up the organ to serve as a firing system to launch the fireworks! Many good memories. Pete, thank you, godspeed, and stay green.

Mr. Hengen was one of the most influential teachers I had the pleasure of knowing while a student of his at McDonogh from 5th-12th grade (1991-1999). As a shy fifth grader just learning to play trumpet, a friend invited me to participate in the middle school’s brass ensemble one afternoon. I nervously walked to the door at the rehearsal time but suddenly got cold feet and turned to walk away- after all, I only knew a few notes at the time. Just then, Mr. Hengen came out of the room and extended his hand and introduced himself. It is not hyperbole to say that that moment was one of the most important of my entire life. For the next 8 years Mr. Hengen gave me ample opportunities to develop my love of music- brass ensemble, supertrumpets, concert band, jazz band, pep band, orchestra pit, etc.. I got to play so much timeless music- Sleigh Ride, Peer Gynt Suite, the Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, Trumpet Voluntary, Star Wars, etc. because of his devotion to the band (even building risers one summer for the band to practice on so we could all see him as conductor). My most memorable experiences were of being selected to play Taps for the Memorial and Founders Day ceremonies. It could be very stressful standing in silent solitude, at times in the cold, waiting to play this solemn tune while the entire school listened. Mr. Hengen was always with me, reminding me to keep my chops loose and my horn warm. He gave me a lifelong love of music, even taking me out while in college to use his school discount when I bought a new trumpet. Gone but never forgotten… and next time I have my horn out I’ll (try to) play Taps once again, just for him.

We may not remember everything someone said, but we remember how they made us feel. Pete made me feel valued and appreciated. He was a friend I met through the Crackerjacks Fireworks Club about 20 years ago. We often teamed up in competitions with other members to create small fireworks displays. Working with Pete taught me a lot, not just about fireworks but also teamwork. My most significant memory of Pete is when we traveled to Tultepec, Mexico for their annual fireworks festival in March of 2014. I will truly miss him. Pete loved fireworks and he loved teaching. I thank God that our lives crossed, if only for a short time, and I’m glad that we got to spend that time in Mexico. To those who knew and loved Pete, then you know that he was a great person. I wish you comfort and peace during this difficult time.

I first met Pete in middle school when he moved to Baltimore from Hazelton, PA, and we quickly became close friends. We both attended Canton Jr. High and later Baltimore City College High School. Some of my fondest memories are from those carefree Baltimore summers, spent hanging out with Pete and his younger brother, Steve.

Pete’s musical talent was evident early on. He started with the clarinet, moved on to the trumpet, and even dabbled in the piano. It seemed like he could play just about any instrument with ease, showcasing his natural ability. Beyond music, Pete was a true all-rounder. He was a standout on the chess team, excelled in soccer, and was an impressive swimmer. He approached everything with dedication and skill.

Pete was not just a musician, a scholar, and an athlete—he was a true Renaissance man, but above all, he was a wonderful friend. Though many years have passed since we last connected after graduating from Baltimore City College, I always believed there would be more time to reconnect and pick up where we left off.

Sadly, Pete left us too soon. I miss him deeply and have thought of him often these past few days. His memory will always remain in my heart. And I will see him in the great beyond.