Peter Zander

Peter Zander, who lived and worked in Connecticut for most of his life, died on May 26, 2023 in Chapel Hill, NC where he lived near his daughter. He was born at Walter Reed Hospital in 1946 and raised in Alexandria, Virginia. Peter attended the nearby St. Stephen’s Episcopal School. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University in 1973 and his Master of Architecture from Yale in 1976. He was well-known for the originality and professionalism of the houses he designed in Connecticut and Eastern New York. Peter also did pro bono work, including the design and build of the gazebos for the Oxford Town Hall. As a skilled and creative craftsman, he was often very hands-on with projects.

He served two years in the Armed Forces stationed in Fort Huachuca near the Mexican border. He loved the language and culture of Mexico, and would return there throughout his life, including a one-year stint as a resident outside Mexico City and frequent trips later in life when he and his wife operated a jewelry import business.

Peter was public-spirited, regularly volunteering for the Southbury Public Library, during local elections, and as an organizer for the Death Café Southbury. He was an avid reader of history and literature, knowledgeable about a wide range of topics. He had similarly broad tastes in music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan to Stevie Wonder. He enjoyed propagating, training, and caring for tropical house plants, and gifted many unique specimens to friends and family. He also loved the company of animals, especially dogs. His wry sense of humor will be sorely missed.

Two years prior to his death, Peter fell and suffered a traumatic brain injury, from which he never fully recovered in spite of his courageous efforts. He died peacefully at home.

Peter was married to Eileen Zander (former proprietor of La Luna Dancewear in Southbury) from 1983 until her death in 2013. He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Zander, his stepson Peter Sztaba, his sons Alan Zander and Nicholas Zander, his sister Beah Zander, and their respective families, as well as by close friends who provided faithful support. There will be an open house this Saturday, June 3rd from 2pm to 5pm at 1021A Heritage Village in Southbury, CT. In lieu of flowers, please continue Peter’s support to groups dedicated to protecting wildlife and the environment by making a donation to the Sierra Club Foundation.