Peter J. Hastings

1939 - 2025

Peter J Hastings
August, 26, 2025
Peter James Hastings, born on April 3, 1939, in Norwalk, Connecticut died at home in Stuart, Florida on August 26, 2025. Son of John Dexter Hastings and Ruth Tovey Hastings he grew up in Westport, Connecticut and was graduated from Blair Academy in 1957. Following Blair, he attended the University of Connecticut at Storrs before taking over the family residential and commercial real estate company at age 24 upon the death of his father. His favorite days were the ones when he got to sell a newly married couple their first home.
At a dinner party, he met his beloved wife of 62 years, Carol Brown and they were married within the year on August 20, 1963. They raised their three children - Carol Bradbeer (James), Julie Stevenson (Nicholas) and Peter Hastings (Kimberly) in Wilton, CT. In addition, Peter or "Pa" as he was affectionately known had twelve grandchildren, J.B. Bradbeer (Kim), Peter Bradbeer, Jack Stevenson, Will Hastings, Tom Bradbeer, Katie Stevenson, Liela Hastings, Charlotte Stevenson, John Bradbeer, Charlie Hastings, Virginia Hastings and Cole Stevenson.
Quite the gentleman farmer, Peter was known for building gardens, planting trees, and nurturing all living things wherever he went. At his Connecticut homestead of 40 years his apple orchards, cider press and maple sugaring endeavors were known by generations of children on field trips and scout outings. He once created a homemade "rope tow" to make sledding down the long hill at his home more fun for all. He loved animals and owned horses, a donkey, a goat, various fish tanks, dogs, cats, chickens and too many rabbits to count. Later on, he founded the community garden at Meadow Ridge in Georgetown, Connecticut which included fruit trees, bee hives and flocks of pheasant and quail. In Florida, he started a butterfly garden and educated others about their importance in nature.
A lifelong learner, there was no end to his hobbies and interest in the world around him. His charisma and easy-going persona drew many into his orbit for dinners, movie night, karaoke, card and domino games and always lots of laughs and storytelling. At his Westerly, Rhode Island beach house he would fish every day and was known to visit the casino nearby sneaking a cigar from time to time. Endlessly positive and optimistic he will forever be remembered for his mind over matter outlook, the twinkle in his eye, connection to the natural world, adoration of each and every family member and the many, many friends that he made everywhere he went.
To best remember him, Peter would love for you to get a plant and care for it and/or donate blood to the American Red Cross the next time you see the opportunity.
"The Eagle has Landed"
The family is planning a celebration of his wonderful life at a later date to be determined.