Peter Ryzhov was born in a small village Podgornoe in war-ravaged Russia.

His childhood was difficult and the conditions were harsh. From 10 siblings only 6 survived to adulthood. He grew up industrious, strong and resilient, but also willing to help others.

He moved around the country between college, the army and getting his life-long passion for wrestling until settling in Chelyabinsk on the border between Europe and Asia where Peter met his wife when he was obtaining his PhD in agriculture technology. He dropped out as the grad student income was not enough to support a family and support his younger brother. His new career was in construction where he moved up the ranks until he reached the position of the Chief Engineer in the Powerplant Construction Trust. He and his wife had two children 10 years apart, first a daughter then a son.

Peter had incredible determination and willpower, he never gave up. In the '90s he survived cancer, he managed to build a successful business in cutthroat and violent Russia.

In 2008 Peter moved to the United States with his wife to reunite with their daughter. He settled in Lynn where he became known as an avid fisherman, chess player and wrestler. He was training kids of the Young Talent School in wrestling. Peter was always eager to help. Anywhere he went he made friends, but he was not afraid to stand up for his principles even if that made him some enemies. Peter has lived in Lynn for 17 years.

Despite recent health complications Peter was lucid until the last day and Peter's departure was sudden, he died peacefully in his sleep.

Peter is survived by his widow, Natalia Ryzhova of Lynn, two children, Natalya Ryzhova of Middleton, Mikhail Ryzhova of Sunnyvale, California, and a grandchild Max Yezril of Middleton.