Peter L. Halvorson

1940 - 2025

Peter L Halvorson
09/07/1940 - 10/11/2025
Professor Emeritus of the University of Connecticut, Peter L. Halvorson, PhD of Coventry, CT passed away peacefully in his sleep with his family at his side on October 11, 2025 at age 85. Born on September 7, 1940, in Berlin, NH to Otto P. and Adele B. Halvorson, he grew up in New Hampshire, graduating from Manchester's Central HS and then from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.
Peter leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Judith A. Halvorson, and their son Peter C. Halvorson of Shrewsbury MA. He is survived by his brother Eric H. Halvorson of Epsom, NH.
After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1962, he went on to graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati, in Ohio, where he met his wife Judy. Professor Halvorson taught briefly at the University of Northern Colorado, then joined the University of Connecticut faculty in 1970. While at UConn he helped to
establish the Geography Department and its Graduate program in Storrs, and was instrumental in creating the Urban Studies Program, now based in Hartford. Dr. Halvorson retired from UConn in 2003, but continued to teach part-time for several years after that. Passionate about teaching and advising students, he was recognized as the "Outstanding Faculty Advisor" in 2002.
Related to his teaching, he published a text book on the development of cities in western civilization. Dr. Halvorson also collaborated on research regarding American Religion, coauthoring several historical atlases, the first of which was accompanied by a companion book, "Patterns in Pluralism." Additionally, Professor Halvorson wrote a number of articles for scholarly and professional journals.
Aside from his teaching duties at the university, Dr. Halvorson was elected by his peers to numerous terms in the University Senate, a deliberative and policy making body comprised of faculty, students and administrators. While in the University Senate, he not only served repeatedly on the Executive Board as its Chair, but also acted as Moderator of Senate meetings. In addition to the Senate, Professor Halvorson was elected to serve multiple terms as a member of the Executive Board and as an officer of the AAUP, the association representing the faculty in contract negotiations with the state. Additionally, he served as Special Assistant to University President, John T. Casteen. Finally, Professor Halvorson served as the University Marshall for nearly 20 years. In this capacity he presided over graduation exercises in Storrs, at the Law and Medical schools, and at other academic functions.
Outside of the university, Dr. Halvorson served the state and his community in a variety of ways. First appointed by Gov. Ella Grasso, as a member of the state's Central Housing Committee, for many years he chaired the Windham Regional Housing Council and advocated for affordable housing in the region. He was also involved in his home town of Coventry, advising officials concerning development issues in the early '70s, and later serving as an elected member of the Town Council for several years.
Peter had many interests and was engaged in a variety of activities. He was an ardent supporter of Musical Arts at UConn and UConn Huskies basketball! In college, Peter sang with the Dartmouth Glee Club, as well as the a cappella group now known as the 'Aires'. The 'Aires' toured nationally, performing at Radio City Music Hall amongst other venues. At UConn Peter and his wife Judy attended concerts regularly and have been members of the Jorgenson CoStars since its inception. When they weren't attending concerts they were frequently in the stands for UConn basketball games. They also enjoyed golfing and skiing for many years. Farther from home, Peter and Judy traveled extensively, visiting dozens of countries. They spent holidays and annual vacations in New Hampshire, the Caribbean and Kauai, Hawaii.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life memorial to be held on the UConn campus in the coming months. Please email: phalvorson.memorial@gmail.com for information regarding plans for the event. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to:
The American Kidney Fund
https://give.kidneyfund.org
The American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org
The American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org
The Audubon Society
https://www.audubon.org