Peter C. King

New London - Peter C. King, of 77 Vauxhall St., New London, died Tuesday, May 4, 2009, peacefully at home with his family by his side.

He was born Sept. 28, 1941, in Southbury, the son of the late Wallace W. and Catherine Elizabeth (Cameron) King.

He was married to the light and love of his life, Katherine Harvey on Aug. 16, 1996.

Mr. King was a graduate of Southbury High School and the University of Connecticut, class of 1963, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He was employed by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) for many years where he earned numerous awards for his achievements in underwater acoustics and submarine sonar research. He was awarded the Order of the Decibel, the highest award in the field of underwater acoustics, for his contributions to its theory, applications, and practice. During his time at NUWC, he designed, built, and tested many advanced electronic systems, including autonomous recording systems, acoustic arrays, and data collection buoys. He traveled extensively for work, participating in at-sea research experiments with scientists and engineers from all over the world. Memorable trips include time he spent in the Arctic in a small camp on the ice and an experiment on Lake Tanzanika in Zambia.

Following his career at NUWC, Mr. King co-founded C&M Technology, Inc., where he continued his work in underwater acoustics and sonar research. Under his leadership, the company grew steadily over a 22 year period, employing as many as 20 people at their facility in Old Saybrook. His most recent experiment took him to Scotland, where he spent three weeks at sea aboard the R.V. Knoor, the research vessel on which Robert Ballard discovered the Titanic in 1986. C&M Technology was purchased in 2007 by Applied Physical Sciences of Groton, where he continued working until last week.

Peter was a scout as a youth, and he loved to build models of ships. He enjoyed many interest and hobbies. Pete's love of history and the sea, including navigation and exploration, is what led him to his career as a professional engineer. He not only loved to build model airplanes, he had to make them fly too!

Throughout his career, his enthusiasm and quiet dedication earned him the respect of his peers and those he mentored.

In addition to his wife, Kathy, he leaves his children, Christopher King and his wife, Kathleen, of Wallingford, and Jamie Jellison of New London, a daughter, Jessie Jellison and her fiancé, Troy Hatfield, of Canterbury. He also leaves behind a sister, Janet Zeno and her husband, Roderick, of Greenwich, N.Y. He was a loving, supportive grandfather to five grandchildren, Joslyn, Tyler, Matthew, Freddie, and Nicole; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Davis and her husband, Vernon; his sister-in-law, Suzanne Roberts; brothers-in-law, James and his wife, Holly, Wayne and his wife, Debbie, and Dennis Davis; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his faithful, loving pets, Titan, Lady, and of course, "T", who are already feeling his absence.

In keeping with Pete's love of the laid back Key West lifestyle, a casual, (you may iron your tee shirts) backyard memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at his home.

Care of arrangements has been entrusted to Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 169 Old Colchester Road, Quaker Hill CT 06375 or the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, 374 Broad St., New London, CT 06320.