Peter Lyons

1940 - 2022

Peter Lyons
July 4, 1940 - October 25, 2022
Peter Lyons of Stamford, Connecticut, on October 25, 2022, died of complications from dementia at age 82. Peter is survived by his wife, Marjorie Lyons (née Robinson), his daughters Sarah (spouse Dan), Lucy (spouse Joseph), and Camilla; as well as Sarah's children Samuel, Posie, and Cecilia; Lucy's children Greta and Leif; and Camilla's children Tess and Wyatt. Peter is also survived by his brother William Lyons of Ross-on-Wye, England, and predeceased by his brother Bernard Lyons. Peter was born July 4, 1940, in the London suburb of Wembley, England, to Horace William David Lyons from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, and Cecilia (née Rosengarten) from Cricklewood, England.
During World War II and seeking a safer home after London was bombed, Peter's parents moved to Hove on the South coast of England with their children. Despite the war, Peter enjoyed a childhood nestled in a large and lively Jewish family. Peter thrived under the unwavering adoration of his mother, developing confidence and self-assuredness. Peter was unconventional and uninhibited, traits of his father.
Peter attended University College London, earning a BSc in mechanical engineering. He met his future wife Margie in London during the swinging sixties. Peter started his career at Honeywell and then moved to a job at IBM. There he pursued a long-held dream to emigrate to the United States, setting sail on the QE II with his young wife and baby girl. Peter embraced life in America. Trading in his motorcycle and beloved Jaguar in BRG for an Oldsmobile Cutlass and, later, a Chevrolet Blazer, he loved the open space, audacity, and sunshine of his new home.
With Margie, Peter shared 58 years of matrimony, love, parenting, and partnership. He gave her boldness, a complete disregard for convention, and a sense of adventure. Together they built a life, a home, and a leafy oasis in Stamford. Peter poured blood, sweat, and talent into their home, doubling its size and renovating every square foot. Peter gave his three daughters the same gifts of love, helpfulness (especially in a crisis), practicality, planning, and determination. To his grandchildren, Peter gifted a love of Brighton & Hove Albion football and the game of tennis and a penchant for swearing. He taught them to persevere in achieving their goals, despite obstacles and societal conventions.
The ravages of dementia diminished Peter, but the disease would not defeat him for many years. He met his diagnosis and illness with fearlessness and bloody-mindedness. By his admission, Peter "lived a good life...a great life". He believed people were worth his time and made time to get to know people he met. He would strike up a conversation with anyone (and with complete disregard for their personal space). He traveled the world for his work at IBM and amassed a collection of friends from all walks of life. Peter was a lion of a man. He will be missed dearly but not forgotten. Instead of flowers, please send donations to The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, https://www.bartlettarboretum.org. Memorial services will be announced.