Peter Andrew Staley

Peter Andrew Staley — Sixty Years of Living Out Loud

October 29, 1964 - April 11, 2025

Peter Staley, known simply as Pete to the many people who loved him, passed away Friday, April 11th at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was 60 years old. In those 60 years, he lived more fully, more loudly, and more joyfully than most ever do.

Pete was one of those rare people who made the world feel lighter just by walking into a room. His charm was legendary—the kind that could disarm even the grumpiest stranger and leave everyone else smiling and shaking their heads. He had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and part of something special. He didn’t just know how to tell a story, he was the story, more often than not.

Born and raised in Cheshire, Pete attended Chapman Elementary, Dodd Junior High, and Cheshire High School, where he was a standout athlete in basketball, track, and lacrosse. But even more than his athleticism, it was his kindness and sense of justice that stuck with people. Friends still tell stories of Pete standing up for classmates being picked on as far back as grammar school—moments they never forgot, because Pete never let anyone feel small.

After a time at Gettysburg College, Pete eventually made his way west, settling in Denver, Colorado, a place that suited his adventurous spirit. Whether it was a mountain bike ride, a spontaneous road trip, or hiking up a 14er, Pete was always chasing the next view, the next laugh, the next experience.

His greatest adventure, however, came with the birth of his son, Jackson. Becoming a father grounded Pete in the most beautiful way. While still in Denver, he raised Jackson as a single dad, pouring his heart into every game, every late-night talk, every day together. He was present and fully engaged as a parent and his bond with Jackson was deep and unwavering.

Later, Pete returned to Cheshire for his life partner, Amy Mauro. Together, the three of them built a home filled with love and laughter—a joyful reunion with the town and friends that shaped him. In typical Pete fashion, he reconnected with old pals like no time had passed, and made new friends just as easily. Making friends, after all, was one of Pete’s great superpowers.

Pete believed deeply in the ability of nature to inspire, teach, and heal. He had been involved with the Boy Scouts as a kid and again later as a parent, always guiding with that unique mix of humor, heart, and big brother energy. He led the Dodd Middle School ski club, bringing students on mountain adventures that sparked new passions and lifelong memories.

In the final chapter of his life, Pete launched a nonprofit close to his heart: Brooksvale Adventures. The dream of the organization was to take kids who need a little direction and give them the gift of the outdoors, including week-long sailing trips along the coast of Maine. He founded it shortly before his cancer diagnosis, channeling his love for nature, mentorship, and second chances into an experience that forever shaped the lives of those fortunate enough to share it with him.

Pete’s life wasn’t a straight line, but it was rich, full, and deeply human. He lived with authenticity, led with humor, and loved without hesitation.

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Thomas and Barbara (Coutts) Staley, whose enduring love for each other inspired him to share love and kindness with those in his life. He is survived by his son Jackson and his partner Amy Mauro of Cheshire, CT, sisters Linda (Peter) L'Ecuyer of Merrimack, NH, Sharon (Terry) Richardson of Hopkinton, MA, and Beth Ann Staley of New Britain, CT, brother Thomas "Chip" (Amy) Staley of Hingham, MA, and the countless friends and family, from Connecticut to Colorado and beyond, who will never forget his smile, his laugh, and the way he made them feel.

"Fare you well, fare you well, (we) love you more than words can tell.”

Family and friends may gather at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main Street, Cheshire, CT on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:15 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. at St. Bridget of Sweden Parish- St. Bridget Church, 175 Main Street, Cheshire. Burial will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery, Wallingford Road, Cheshire.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to help support Jackson during this difficult time, 231 N. Brooksvale Rd, Cheshire, CT 06410. To leave online condolences for his family, please visit www.fordfh.com