Peter Wells

Peter Wells 1939 - 2026

Peter Wells, 86, a dedicated community leader and champion of Jewish causes worldwide, passed away peacefully in Indiana.

Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad in 1939 to Herta and Egon Werberg, Peter's life began amid his parents' courageous flight from Vienna to escape Nazi persecution. Several months after his birth, the family reached the United States, changed their surname to Wells, and settled in Queens, New York, where Peter grew up in Sunnyside and later Rego Park.

Peter attended Hunter College in the Bronx and continued his studies at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati until the passing of his father led him to take over the family insurance business. On August 25, 1968, he married the love of his life, Joan Levitt Wells, and the very next day they embarked on a new adventure together in Northwest Indiana.

Peter's career was marked by tireless service to Jewish communities across the Midwest. He served as Regional Director for BBYO, first covering Indiana, Kentucky and Southern Ohio, then the Northern Ohio territory based in Cleveland. In 1973, the family moved to Dayton, Ohio, where Peter worked in community relations and campaigning before becoming Executive Director of The Jewish Federation in 1979, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2005.

A passionate advocate for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, Peter traveled extensively throughout his life, making over 40 visits to Israel, Eastern Europe, and former Soviet Republics. He and Joan shared a love of travel, exploring destinations from Europe to Alaska to Southeast Asia during their 57 years of marriage.

In retirement, Peter continued his life's work through consulting for various Jewish and Israeli organizations. He served on the boards of Save A Child's Heart, The Western Galilee Health Center, and The Sarasota Federation. In 2010, Peter and Joan moved to Sarasota, Florida, before returning to Indiana in early 2026.

Peter was remembered by all who knew him as smart, kind, caring, thoughtful, and generous—a true friend to everyone he met. His radiant smile could light up even the darkest of places. Countless people whose lives he touched along his magnificent journey referred to him as a precious gift. The world was undoubtedly a better place for having him in it.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Joan Levitt Wells; his daughter, Jennifer  Ramos, and sons-in-law, Jose Ramos and Kyle Linville; his granddaughters, Madeline and Lauren Linville; and his son-in-law, Kyle Linville.  His daughter, Rebecca Linville, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 11:00 am at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260. The funeral will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Burial will follow in IHC North Cemetery.

May his memory be for blessing.

Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.