Peter Nedelkov Todorov

Peter Todorov, 88, of Clarksburg, Maryland, died at Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville, Maryland surrounded by his three children.

Peter was born on March 9, 1935 in Boynitsa, a town in northwestern Bulgaria near the city of Vidin on the Danube river.  He was the son of Nedelko and Neda (Yankova) Todorov.  

Peter studied economics in Bulgaria.  In Sofia, the capital, he met Aneta Karaliecheva and married in 1964. Peter had dreams of escaping the brutal oppression of communist Bulgaria. In 1967, together with his wife Aneta and their two-year old son, Ned, they managed to escape Bulgaria through the territory of then, Yugoslavia, and onward to Italy.  The family were political refugees in Italy and then obtained sponsorship to immigrate to the USA where they settled in Chicago, Illinois and then Miami, Florida. 

Peter was active in the Bulgarian diaspora community, speaking out against the brutal communist regime in his native country and served by translating materials from Bulgarian into English.  In 1974, he joined the Voice of America.  The family moved to the Washington, D.C. area and settled in Maryland.  In 2022, Peter celebrated 55 years in the U.S.A.

Peter was a radio broadcaster at Voice of America, going on the air reporting news from the U.S. and free world to the Bulgarian audience listening on shortwave radio.  He worked at Voice of America on the Bulgarian Desk for over 30 years before retiring.  

Peter’s beloved Aneta passed away in 1996.  Peter was a dedicated and loving father to his three children, Ned, Donka, and Neda.  He was a loving father-in-law to Ned's wife Mouna and Donka's husband Chris.  Peter loved spending time with his five grandchildren; Ned’s children: Dahlia and Peter and Donka’s children: Faith, Hope, and Charity. His grandchildren affectionately called him, “Dyado,” Bulgarian for grandpa.  He was especially close to his youngest daughter and loving caregiver, Neda. He is also survived by his dear sister, Tsanka. 

Peter was a passionate classical music fan and book collector.  He enjoyed sharing sayings, quips, and proverbs with family and friends.  Serving his family was closest to his heart.  He will be sorely missed. 

Peter’s life will be honored and celebrated on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Maryland 21702.   The visitation will begin at 10:00 am and a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow services at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, MD.