Peter Joseph Loughran Sr.

1934 - 2025

Peter Joseph Loughran, Sr.
Peter Joseph Loughran, Sr. (aka, Pete, Dad, Coach, and Grandpa or Poppy), ninety-one, of Stamford, Connecticut, passed from this life to the next life on March 16, 2025, peacefully and of natural causes. Born on January 11, 1934, in Stamford, Pete was the son of Patrick and Mary Ellen Loughran (née Mallon). He spent the last weeks of his life here on earth surrounded by Barbara, his loving wife of sixty-three years, his six children, and his eighteen grandchildren.
Pete was a graduate of Stamford High School, where, among other things, he was a standout on the baseball and basketball teams. A college graduate of St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland, he went on to complete his graduate studies in history, education and administration at Fairfield University. Pete served in the U.S. Army National Guard.
A man of myriad talents, jobs, and interests, at his core Pete was a teacher and coach. He taught Latin and history in Stamford area schools for more than thirty years, retiring in 1992. After retirement, he continued his calling as a substitute teacher. During his years of teaching, he coached basketball, baseball, and soccer, as well as youth basketball teams. Pete was also a long-time referee and umpire in Fairfield County sports leagues for basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball. For many summers while he was teaching, he owned and operated the St. Mary's and Knollwood day camps. Adding to his long resume, Pete represented clients as a real estate broker for many years, including after his so-called retirement.
Pete was an athlete and, as an outstanding baseball pitcher, drew interest from the Dodgers and Tigers organizations. During his university days and for many years thereafter, Pete played baseball in the Stamford Twilight League, and he also pitched for the Port Chester All Stars team. He and his brother Michael were proud battery mates with the Knights of Columbus team. In his retirement years, Pete became an enthusiastic golfer and worked as a ranger at the Sterling Farms golf course in Stamford. He was inducted into the Stamford Old Timers Athletic Association Honor Roll for his athletic successes and his commitment to youth sports as a coach and an official.
Pete was a dedicated Catholic who truly lived the Gospel. He loved and respected all people, regardless of their station in life. He was a member of the St. Augustine Knights of Columbus Stamford and the Stamford Ancient Order of Hibernians. In addition, Pete was an avid gardener and keeper of fruit trees, often comparing his harvests with those of his father-in-law and his children who followed in his gardening footsteps.
Of all his jobs, achievements, and interests, by far Pete's greatest pride and highest joy, what he truly lived for, were his six children and eighteen grandchildren. He took tremendous pride in the lives of his children and grandchildren, and, in his magical, selfless way, he would make every one of them feel unique and incredibly special with each interaction. His love was (and is) indivisible and ongoing.
Pete is survived by his wife, Barbara Drenckhahn; Rosemary and Stephen Samoskevich and their children, Helen and Luke; Peter and Ann Van Gessel and their children, Brendan, Margaret, and Kathleen; John and Amanda Wolf and their children, Brooke, Mackenzie, and Jake; Barbara Loughran and her children, Sean and Daniel McLoughlin; Terrence and Deborah Meck and their children, Katherine, Ryan, Kelly, and Andrew; Dr. Timothy and Dr. Diane Turcot and their children, Gabriella, Audrey, Charles, and Justin; and his cousin Jimmy Mallon, a great many nieces and nephews, and beloved in-laws. He is predeceased by his sister, Catherine, and brothers Patrick, John, James, and Michael.
Pete's wake will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford, Connecticut.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter J. Loughran's name may be directed to the Stamford Hospital Foundation, 3001 Summer Street, 2nd Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06905, or by visiting www.stamfordhospitalfoundation.org, and the Stamford Ancient Order of Hibernians, 186 Greyrock Place, Stamford, Connecticut 06901.