Search by Name

Search by Name

UPCOMING SERVICE

Celebration Of Life

Sep. 28, 2025

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Educational Center for the Arts (ECA)

Send Flowers

Peter Loffredo Obituary

Peter Loffredo
A self-proclaimed "perpetual student of the human condition," Peter Loffredo approached life with deep empathy, emotional intelligence, and an insatiable curiosity about people. Through his acting, directing, and teaching, he sought to understand and illuminate the human experience, always believing in the unique power of storytelling to heal, connect, and inspire. His charm was unmistakable, an effortless blend of sharp wit, boundless humor, and keen intellect, which drew people in and put them instantly at ease. His presence could light up a room, whether with a well-timed joke, a thoughtful observation, or his warm, knowing smile.
Peter was a master in the art of communication, always able to listen intently and offer heartfelt advice without judgment. Whether speaking one on one or in a crowded room, he made people feel heard, respected, and understood. His ability to connect meaningfully was one of his most enduring and treasured gifts. His love of family and friends was not declared in grand gestures but revealed quietly through a warm embrace, making a thoughtful visit, and a steadfast presence at important events, always showing up for those he cared for with genuine affection and support. He gave his time freely, listening without distraction, encouraging without pressure, and guiding without ego. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, a handwritten note, or a moment of joy, he made those around him feel accepted and valued. Peter would always end his correspondence with either "peace and love" or "ciao for now."
He had a deep and endless passion for teaching, especially through his work with the Educational Center for the Arts (ECA) in New Haven, where he mentored generations of students for twenty-seven years, focusing on theatre for social change. His classroom was a space of encouragement, exploration, and authenticity. He nurtured not only skilled performers but also thoughtful, compassionate individuals. His students remembered him as a guide who helped them find their voices on stage and in life.
His laughter, whether shared in a conversation, during family gatherings, or echoing throughout the theater, was a gratifying, validating, and comforting sound to hear. It had the rare ability to make others feel seen, appreciated, and at ease, and will be remembered by all who had the joy of knowing him.
Peter, a lifelong resident of Middletown, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was the youngest son of the late Dr. Louis and Eva (Anderson) Loffredo, co-founders of the historic Crescent Street Hospital, where he was born on September 28, 1948. After graduating at Middletown High School, he pursued his undergraduate studies at Westminster College in Wilmington, Pennsylvania. He further honed his craft at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous classical training in acting.
Peter founded Connecticut Heritage Productions (CHP) in the early 1980s and served as the longtime artistic director of the Free at Last Players, an inclusive community theater group comprised of individuals with lived experience of mental illness. Soon after launching CHP, he created a documentary about the life of actor William Gillette, which was archived at the East Haddam Historical Society. He acted in and directed numerous productions not only in his beloved hometown in Middletown, but also across the country and around the world, sharing his passion for theatre on stages both intimate and grand. In 2009, he was honored with the Middletown Commission on the Arts' Advocacy Award in recognition of his efforts to bring meaningful and socially conscious theatre to the community. At this ceremony, the sitting mayor proclaimed April 1st (April Fool's Day) as "Peter Loffredo Day," in the city of Middletown, to which Peter simply replied with his roaring laugh, "perfect!"
In 2024, Peter spoke at the dedication ceremony of a new marker on the Middletown Heritage Trail, commemorating the site of the former Crescent Street Hospital founded by his parents. In 2023, he began co-producing the Crescent Street Chronicles with his great-nephew, a documentary about the hospital, his parents' legacies, and life growing up at the hospital with his brothers and sisters. Intended to be used as narration for the biopic, Peter reflected on his days living at the hospital: "The mind plays tricks and what once seemed a certainty fades in the afterglow of memories, a smell of alcohol and ether, the sound of new life entering the world, the gasps of a last breath. How to pick through the jumble sale of memories inside my head. How to deal with the memories forthright and honestly. The recollections of those idyllic days of certainty and 'I like Ike.' The sense of wonderment and magic of childhood wrapped in the ebb and flow of life's journey."
In addition to his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and numerous friends, Peter is survived by his sister Linda Ferenc of Portland, his brothers, Victor, Vincent and his wife Dora Glinn, David and his wife Rosann of Middletown, and Louis and his wife Marcia of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee. Besides his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and in-laws, he was predeceased by his niece, Marlene Ferenc, nephews, Michael and Paul Loffredo, his sister, Eve "Sis" Loffredo, and his niece, Elizabeth (Loffredo) Burns.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be held at the Educational Center for the Arts (ECA) in New Haven on Sunday September 28, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The family wishes to thank the students and faculty at ECA for their outpouring of love and support, in addition to the doctors, nurses and staff at Middlesex Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital (Smilow), who were able to ease his pain and bring him comfort in his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to either ECA or Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theatre in Middletown.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Middletown Press on May 26, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Peter Loffredo

Sep

28

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Educational Center for the Arts (ECA)

New Haven, CT

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Loffredo

Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.

Not sure what to say?





9 Entries

Karen Dierks

July 12, 2025

I loved Peter. He was my friend and my teacher. He kept me grounded. We met at the Hole in the Wall theatre and stayed friends for many years. His wit, his compassion and sense of humor were my lifeline. He was one of a kind.

Xan S. Johnson

June 21, 2025

Hi PTA.
I will so miss you my very good friend and colleague. I do not remember why I gave you the handle PTA. I guess I just like non-sequiturs. I have often felt that we who labor to create theatre art with youth are, indeed, a band of non-sequiturs. I do know that I only grant my dearest friends such handles ... handles such as Jeani-Poo, Fog, She, Creamy, Wabbit, Maddog, Gup, Missy, Jimster ... on and on. I also know that your laughter brought overwhelming joy ... you had the gift for being contagious, and somehow we sustained the laughter over dozens of conferences and over dozens of years. Say hello to our friend Jeani-poo for me as you explore your new world. And I will say farewell to our good friend Charla for you. She will be sad to hear the news.
To the Loffredo family (thank you Sara), Peter has been my colleague and close professional friend for many decades dating back to a professional stage directing workshop we both attended in Seattle, Washington, sponsored, in part, by the Seatle Children's Theatre back in the 1970s (I think). In honor of that initial workshop, Peter, Jean, Rives, I, and many others offered an annual session at AATE/American Alliance for Theatre and Education entitled "Calling All Directors" for well over a decade. In those sessions we were able to create a space for sharing the unique struggles and complex solutions that only directors could share and brainstorm with one another in the world of Theatre for Young Audiences. I found those sessions not only incredibly valuable for the packed sessions of stage directors attending, but also for the field of TYA at large.
In closing, where Peter and I connected most profoundly was at the meaning-making level, the quest in every class we taught and in every production we directed, to create the moments that would change lives. Such a living oxymoron, to totally enjoy exploring the cracks in humanity with youth, so they might better understand the depth of the human conflicts within, and to see them come out the other side having totally enjoyed the journey ... and I must add, youth now far better equipped with more nuanced strategies for confronting the raging complexities ahead in their lives ... especially that big drama we call real life. Be at peace my good friend. You shared your gifts so very well.
Much love my friend, Xan

Bill

June 16, 2025

Uncle Pete was always a positive and happy man with a smile for everyone he spoke to!

Lorie Warzecha

May 29, 2025

Peter´s memories will always be cherished and live on forever.
He will be deeply missed. My heartfelt love to the Loffredo family.

Barbara smith

May 28, 2025

Peter´s bright light will be missed

Kimberly Dragone

May 27, 2025

Peace to Peter and his family

Laurie Maria Cabral

May 27, 2025

So sorry for your loss.

Melissa Schilke

May 26, 2025

"He who we love and lose is no longer where he was before,
He is now wherever you are" (4th century prayer)

Eva Roehrl

May 26, 2025

I love you Uncle Pete. And will miss you so very much. You left us way to soon. Forever in my heart and memories

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Peter Loffredo's name

How to support Peter's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Peter Loffredo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more