Peter Sheridan Lutz

Peter Sheridan Lutz passed away peacefully in his beloved Old Saybrook on May 25, 2025. The youngest of five brothers, he was born with a twin on May 13, 1939 to William and Helene (Sheridan) Lutz. Peter grew up on City Island in the Bronx, where he learned to love the sea. A graduate of Fordham Preparatory High School, St. Joseph’s Seminary, and Fordham University, he joined the Marine Corps at Quantico Bay on September 17, 1962. He served in Vietnam and then in the reserves upon his return.

Peter married Maureen Donahue on August 24, 1969. They shared a love of history and literature, social justice, and faith. Peter was known to be a good neighbor, whether it was bringing in your newspaper or taking care of neighborhood dogs.

Peter loved Old Saybrook, and even on the stillest days he claimed there was a beautiful Long Island Sound breeze. He enjoyed taking his dog for canoe rides in the salt marsh and walking into town. He loved Latin and the Hudson River artists, the fall foliage and trains. He loved to be in nature with his family. He was able to find beauty in small things.

Service was important to Peter. He served as a volunteer supernumerary with the Old Saybrook Police Department, a volunteer firefighter with the Old Saybrook Fire Department, a boating safety instructor, a religious education teacher at St. John’s, and as a tutor with Literacy Volunteers.

Peter started his teaching career in 1969 in the Bronx and went on to teach English and reading in the Ledyard and Old Saybrook school systems. After his diagnosis of mental illness, he worked at Stop & Shop in Old Saybrook.

Peter is predeceased by his parents and all of his brothers including his twin brother, Edward, who was affectionately known as “re-Pete.” He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maureen, along with his daughters and their families: Kathy and Jeff Rodo; Anne, Sophie, and Kasey Lambert; Claire, Alex, Celia, and Marina Mayer; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Life Guidance of Atria of Waterford and the ER at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for their care of Peter as his Alzheimer’s progressed, as well as, the staff of Gladeview, where he spent his final days back at home in beautiful Old Saybrook, supported by Hartford HealthCare Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Old Saybrook Fire Company No. 1.

A mass of Christian burial will occur Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 9:30 AM at Saint John Catholic Church, 161 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT. Burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery, 59 Sheffield Street, Old Saybrook, CT.