Peter Francis Lessor

Peter Francis Lessor, 72, of Middletown, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly Christmas evening. Born February 4, 1952, in Hartford to Glenn Lessor and Margaret Hargreaves. Peter was raised in Cromwell and spent some of his years in Vermont. He was a Vietnam combat veteran, serving in the Army from 1969 to 1971. He was a proud member of Steamfitters Local 218, now Local 777. He lived a full life with so many stories to tell. Trying to capture who he was in such a small writing doesn’t do him justice. 

In 1994 Peter opened Gatekeepers Tavern in Middletown, making a dream a reality. There he brought people from all walks of life together. The bar was a stop for many motorcycle runs, Wesleyan Wednesdays, Sundays for brunch and many nights of bands playing live music. 

Peter loved the open road, from his years as a trucker to his solo trip at 62 on a motorcycle from  Connecticut to Alaska for a beer. He knew the interstate highway like the back of his hand and swore off GPS. He had a world of interests and knowledge and, in his free time, could be found filling it with endless projects around the house, fixing cars, and working on his truck. He loved riding, reading the paper with a coffee, books, history, music, food, watching sports, and rewatching old westerns, and he was also a decades-long pool player and member of the APA league. 

To Peter, his family and friends meant the most to him. He was known to move mountains for those he cared for wanting nothing in return. He was lucky to find the kind of love that most people dream of, marrying his high school love, Karen, whose photo he carried in his wallet for years and through Vietnam. He was a selfless and loving father who always believed in his daughter and always supported her, even in her car projects. He was a passionate, stubborn, hard-working, and caring man. 

Peter is survived by his wife, Karen P Goggin, and their daughter, Liana R Lessor. His brother Martin G (Sharon) Lessor. His sister Jody L (Scott) Magnano. His nephews Thomas, Michael, and Tyler, and niece Tori. Beloved aunts Joanne, Patricia, and his uncle James. Predeceased by his uncles John and Paul. He also leaves behind long time friends Roger and Lisa Adams, Jack D Graham, and Gary Blake. Along with so many more special family and friends. Calling hours are January 4th, 2025, 12-2pm at Brooklawn Funeral Home in Rocky Hill, CT.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial donation to the Cancer Research Institute.