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Peter Themel
October 17, 1946 – August 21, 2025
Peter Themel, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness on August 21, 2025, in Florida. Born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Peter lived a life marked by selfless service to his country, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family.
Peter was a loving and faithful husband to his cherished wife Cheryl for 55 years. He and Cheryl raised their young family in the suburbs of Newtown, Connecticut. Peter was the proud father of three daughters: Jennifer Themel of Pennsylvania; Stacey Hirst and her husband Rick of Florida; and Allyson Hirst and her husband David of Pennsylvania.
Peter’s greatest joy came from his role as grandfather to his adored grandchildren: his firstborn grandchild and namesake, Peter Alexander Hirst, whom he so loved and enjoyed watching at numerous school events, parades, baseball games, and many family trips throughout his younger years and into adulthood. Peter also adored his granddaughters Elizabeth and Kinley Hirst—whom he called his “dollies.” He and Cheryl enjoyed attending their dance recitals and Peter loved when they played “make-up and hair” with Grandpa. He loved his family with all his heart. Peter had a very special bond with son-in-law Rick, whom he truly loved like the son he never had.
He is also survived by his sister Priscilla Carameta and her husband Thomas of Pennsylvania and his sister-in-law Diane Lambro of Connecticut, along with several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Peter was predeceased by his parents, Archie and Mary Themel and his in-laws, Thomas and Elizabeth Lambro, brothers-in-law Tony Rich, Robert and Thomas Lambro, and sister-in-law Linda Rich.
Peter dedicated over four decades to a distinguished career in the luxury automobile industry, serving clients throughout the Danbury and Westport, Connecticut areas for 45 years. His commitment to excellence and genuine care for his customers earned him lasting relationships and deep respect within the automotive community.
A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Peter served his country with honor for four years during the 1960s aboard the USS Saratoga in the Mediterranean, demonstrating the same integrity that would define his entire life. In later years, he proudly wore his USS Saratoga hats wherever he went, striking up conversations with strangers and fellow veterans at doctors’ offices, grocery stores, the VA Hospital, and even at Disney World. Peter enjoyed reminiscing about his time on his aircraft carrier and the camaraderie he found with fellow servicemen. Peter was known affectionately by colleagues, family, and loved ones near and far as “Pistol Pete.”
Peter’s faith was central to who he was. He was a longtime devoted member of St. George Albanian Orthodox Church in Trumbull, Connecticut, and later St. Ignatius Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida. His beautiful voice graced both church choirs, and he and Cheryl treasured their St. Ignatius Church family, finding great joy and fellowship within their faith community.
Peter lived life to the fullest, enjoyed the finer things in life, and looked forward to spending time with family and friends. He loved the holidays, and he and Cheryl hosted many celebrations at their home where they welcomed—and fed—everyone. On his days off, Peter enjoyed cooking with Cheryl and often took over the kitchen. He loved watching cooking shows, which he routinely encouraged (tortured) Cheryl and the girls to watch. As much as he loved to cook, Peter also loved going out to dinner and would often joke about how he could have made the meal better.
Peter supported his daughters all of their lives and was so proud of their accomplishments. He was an avid Band Parent for the Newtown High School Marching Band. You could find him leading the parades, driving the golf cart, or marching alongside the band at the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parades—smiling ear to ear.
Peter had a passion for anything history-related and delighted in watching Jeopardy, sometimes answering questions that stumped even the contestants. His mother-in-law was so impressed by his knowledge that she often encouraged him to audition for the show. Every Sunday morning on the way to church, the family had to listen to the “Italian House Party” on the car’s AM radio—a tradition Peter cherished—and the family endured.
In his younger years, Peter loved to dance, and he was a fantastic dancer, especially enjoying showing off his moves at his daughters’ weddings. Throughout his life, Peter embodied the values of service, faith, and family. His warm spirit, generous heart, and steadfast devotion to those he loved will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to St. George Orthodox Church or to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Burial will take place at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, Pennsylvania, where Peter will be laid to rest with full military honors. Arrangements will be announced at a later date.
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