Peter Benjamin Doerfler

Peter Benjamin Doerfler, 79, of Southington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, after a brief illness on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at HOCC at New Britain. Peter was the loving husband of Gail (Hopkins) Doerfler for 55 years.

Born on February 2, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA to Shirley (Andres) Doerfler and the late Benjamin Doerfler, he had been a longtime Southington resident.

Peter proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He graduated from Southington High School, Class of 1961 and earned his B.A. from North Carolina Wesleyan University. Peter was the Vice President of the former Orion Group, managed corporate services for Capital Cleaning and worked as a school teacher. He was a proud 50-year member of the American Legion, Kiltonic Post 72 in Southington and a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Meriden. Peter loved boating with his grandchildren and traveling, especially cross-country road trips.

In addition to his wife Gail and his mother Shirley, Peter is survived by two sons, Benjamin Doerfler and wife Catherine of Ivoryton, CT and Scott Peter Doerfler and his wife Kimberly of Southington, as well as 6 grandchildren: Jacob Benjamin (Rose), Elizabeth, Myles, Shelby, Thomas and Victoria and 2 great-grandchildren, Marcy Ellen and Maisie Rose. He is also survived by his sister, Lynn McLaughlin of Cromwell and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his father Benjamin, he was predeceased by his son, Daniel Edward Doerfler and brother-in-law, Thomas McLaughlin.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 159 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church, 159 E. Main St., Meriden. Burial with military honors will follow in South End Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2023 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.