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BORN
1942
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Peter Bilyard Obituary
Peter Richard Bilyard, age 81, beloved husband of 39 years to Celeste Loxsom Bilyard, passed away on Good Friday, April 7, 2023 .
Peter was born in Bridgeport, CT on February 16, 1942, the fourth child to Arthur H. Bilyard, Sr. and Ruth Ennis Bilyard. He grew up in Fairfield, CT, graduating from Roger Ludlowe High School in 1960. Peter lived in his beloved Fairfield for over 70 years before moving to Stratford. Throughout his life his interests, curiosity, and expertise were boundless. The word polymath comes to mind.
Peter was predeceased by his parents, and siblings Barbara Davies, Arthur Bilyard, Jr., and Judith Stern.
In addition to his wife, Celeste, Peter is survived by his five children: Elizabeth Bilyard (Matt Gilhuly) of Fairfield, Karen Connelly (John) of Stratford, Whitney Mercurio (Max Brown) of Boston, Phoebe Darwin (Matt) of Fanwood, NJ, and Wesley Bilyard of Stratford. He also leaves eleven grandchildren: Caitlin Bechtel, William Bechtel, Emma Thomas, Christopher Connelly, Jack Connelly, Lena Connelly, Frank Mercurio III, Domenic Mercurio, Finley Darwin, Julian Darwin, and Marlowe Darwin. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his first three children, Joann Baglia Bilyard of Black Rock.
Calling hours will be on Sunday, April 16th from 2–5 p.m. at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield.
A Service will be held on Monday, April 17th at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Peter's memory. www.alz.org .
For a complete obituary celebrating Peter's life, please visit Spear Miller Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Bilyard
Sponsored by Spear-Miller Funeral Home.
Daniel Gardiner
April 14, 2023
Pete was a volunteer firefighter in Fairfield, and was a joy to serve with in that capacity. He was the real deal!
Bill Elias
April 13, 2023
Peter and I were both born in 1942. In the fall of 1950 we met in Mrs. VanValkenberg´s third grade class and we became friends and remained friends throughout his entire life. I don´t think I can recall the exact moment that it happened, but it seems like we were always friends. We may have been drawn together because we both played an instrument. He played the saxophone and I played the trumpet and we wound up in the school band together. We were in the same class all through elementary school which, in those days, went up to the eighth grade. We were separated during our freshman year in high school because we lived in two separate high school districts. The separation did nothing to weaken our friendship, and in fact, it help to add to our circle of friends. During the summer of my freshman year, my family moved to the other high school district. Peter and I were once again in the same school. My mother, without my knowledge, made sure that we were not in the same classes for fear that we would not get any work done. We did wind up in band together though along with a few electives. After high school, we eventually went our separate ways, but we managed to stay in touch and get together from time to time. During those times, we never failed to relive our very pleasant and memorable past. I will miss my friend as I relive my past by myself.
Rob Billings
April 13, 2023
I´m so sorry for your loss! As a youngest, I looked up to Peter who was so kind to me! He´d come see me play baseball at Sturgis Park and give me rides in his cool car!
Jan and Jeff Cornell
April 12, 2023
Sooo many memories
Beverly Balint Isselee
April 12, 2023
So very sorry for your loss, Celeste. You are in our prayers.
Della Pagano
April 12, 2023
So sorry for your loss Wes and your family. Your dad was a sweetheart and it was a pleasure for having him as a neighbor all those years. Sending love and prayers to your family.
Della
Joni Fogle
April 12, 2023
Celeste, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Pete. My love and thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
Karen Kochis Philipp
April 12, 2023
My condolences to the Bilyard girls on the loss of their father. May you remember all the good times.
Elizabeth Lopato
April 12, 2023
I was classmate of Peter's at Grasmere School. We were in Miss Silos' 6th grade together, then she switched to 8th grade and had her again. Since there were two "Peters" (Peter Gallagher) she suggested one be called "Pedro." If memory serves it was your Peter. He will always be the 12/13 ear old boy I knew then, a friendly, decent, fun, funny guy. I am so sorry for your loss. "Betsy Bedford." Elizabeth Bedford Lopato
Charlotte Tillman Matthews
April 11, 2023
Dear Celeste and family - My sincere sympathy to you all at the loss of your very special loved one. I'm sorry that I didn't know him, but feel for you and have you in my prayers. If I can be of any help to you, I'm here. Family is a very strong connection. Blessings to all.
The Staff of Spear-Miller Funeral Home
April 11, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
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