Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Peter Dalton Obituary
Peter C. Dalton of Havana, a longtime faculty member at Florida State University, died Wednesday at his home after a lengthy illness. He was 68.
Dalton was an associate professor of philosophy at Florida State, where he began teaching in 1972. He taught his final two classes last spring after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
He won several awards at Florida State, including the 1990 College of Arts and Sciences Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. A former president of the Florida Philosophical Association, he served for many years as editor of the journal, "Social Theory and Practice."
He was a former associate chairman of the Philosophy Department, and published numerous articles in philosophical journals.
Dalton graduated from Wellesley High School (MA) in 1963, where he played varsity football and basketball.
He graduated summa cum laude from Northwestern University in 1968 and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
While earning a doctorate at the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., he was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship.
Before entering Northwestern, Dalton served as an intern on the staff of John McCormack, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, working behind the scenes on preparations for the inauguration of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
He was the son of the late Cornelius Dalton, a political editor and columnist for the former Boston Herald-Traveler, and the late Frances Dalton, an editor at Babson College in Wellesley, MA.
He was the devoted husband of Carole Dalton, his wife of 46 years, closest friend and the love of his life.
In addition to his wife, he leaves two sons, Jeffrey of Tallahassee and Michael of Havana; a daughter, Carla, of Tallahassee; three grandchildren, Lauren, Carly Johnson and Lucy Dore, all of Tallahassee; a great-grandson, Trace, of Tallahassee; and several nieces and nephews.
He also leaves behind two brothers, Thomas and his wife Wilma, of Lynnfield, MA, and Stephen and his wife, Gloria, of Washington, D.C.; and "The Gs", a group of high school friends who were like brothers.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florida State University Philosophy Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Dalton
Aristotle Pantelis
August 15, 2024
Having the wisdom gained in 39 years since being a student in Dr. Dalton´s Intro to Philosophy in 1989, I can most assuredly state Dr. Dalton´s caring, positive impact on me is part of my core. My relationship with Dr. Dalton began in an 8am class after working night shifts and not being prepared for class...when a question was posed to the back of the room... " Hey Aristotle, good morning, are you with us? Please tell us what Aristotle´s view is on this and by that I mean your view, this is about learning to think and decide for yourself." With all life little and big decisions Dr. Dalton has been and will continue to be with me. Thank you Dr. May your Memory Be Eternal. Always, Aristotle
Peter Quigley Bowdoin '67
November 16, 2021
Pete Dalton was my first college roommate for only
his first year at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Me.
We first met in summer of 1963 at a pre-college mixer in Wesllesey
He was a good friend, quiet, always friendly, a thinker and an athlete on the field whether football but particularly basketball.
We were all suprised when he did not return to Bowdoin in his sophmore year but following his career posted I can understand his deep thinking was maybe
a bit too strong for a small liberal arts college with limited courses for the direction he took.
He was and is always missed even to this day.
He is at peace in the warm loving hands of The Lord.
Linda Faulkner
November 18, 2019
Thinking of you, Carol. No matter how well you cope, the anniversaries are always difficult. I lost George on December 30th, 2015.
Linda Faulkner
July 5, 2014
Dear Carole,
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't find out the news about Peter until I saw it in the current Northwestern Alumni magazine.
Kimberly O'Brien/Spivey
December 24, 2013
I was Carla's good friend growing up and knew Peter and Carol well. Peter was a kind and caring man whom loved his wife and family. God be with them during this time and I am sorry for your loss
Jane Mostoller
November 27, 2013
I am so saddened to read of the loss of Dr. Dalton. I worked with Peter at FSU, and he was such a kind and caring person, and so dedicated and giving to the students at FSU. My deep sympathy to the family, he will be very missed.
November 27, 2013
Dear Jeff, Lauren and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy (Thomas) Keiffer
LHS - '82
Karen Foulke
November 25, 2013
Dear Carole and family,
I will miss Peter. We worked together but I also thought of him as my friend. I believe he was a great teacher and know he really cared about his students. Most of all I admired how much he loved and cared for his family. I feel very lucky to have known him.
Tim Dalton
November 24, 2013
This cousin from Boston is very sad, so many fond memories. Going to Wellesley as a kid and watching Peter play is just one.
Josh Turkewitz
November 22, 2013
I only got a chance to know Peter briefly, but he struck me as a kind and courageous man. My condolences to his loved ones.
Rachel Baker
November 22, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Peter. He was one of my favorite professors at FSU when I was a graduate student in the Department of Philosophy, and he remained a favorite even when I dealt with him later as a staff member. I learned so much from him, and I regarded him as the teacher to emulate. He was was approachable, funny, and he genuinely cared about the students. Since my office was across from his, I also couldn't miss how important his family was to him, and he gave me hope of being able to find that correct balance in my own life when I was pursuing a similar career path. I feel so lucky to have known him, and he will be greatly missed.
David McNaughton
November 22, 2013
My heartfelt condolences. Peter was a most valuable member of the department. Apart from his inspiring teaching, which many former students have mentioned, he was one of those people without whom no department can succeed: he did many necessary but unglamorous jobs, and was invariably kind and supportive to students, staff, and colleagues alike.
Roxane Fletcher
November 22, 2013
Dear Carole and family,
I am so sorry that you have lost Peter, and I will be thinking of all of you. He was very fortunate to have his loved ones around him during his illness; I am sure it made an immeasurable difference to him. He had a heart of gold and was an unforgettable character. Very best wishes,
Roxane Fletcher
November 22, 2013
Dear Carole and family,
You have my deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Peter was very fortunate to have his loved ones around him as he went through his illness. He had a heart of gold and was an unforgettable character. My thoughts will be with you all.
Terrie Mock
November 22, 2013
Jeff,
let your good memories carry you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
November 22, 2013
With Deepest Sympathies.
Sincerely,
Brooke Sessions Collins
Fern
November 22, 2013
I am very sorry to hear the news. Peter was a good man and very devoted to his family.
November 22, 2013
I knew Professor Dalton from his Introduction to Philosophy class. He was the best teacher I ever had. He was a gifted lecturer and truely inspired me. My deepest sympathy to your family. Chris Taul, Class of 1983, College of Business
Jan and Clayton McCall
November 22, 2013
Carla,
May the God of Grace and Lord of Comfort, hold you and your family in the palm of His hand during this time of great sadness. You and your family are in our prayers. God bless you all.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Peter Dalton's name
Memorial Events
for Peter Dalton
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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor Peter Dalton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
