Peter Martin Engel, loving father, son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend, suddenly passed away on October 2, 2022 in the Bronx, N.Y., at the age of 39. Peter was born on September 22, 1983, in Boston, Mass., to Richard and Maureen (Robinson) Engel. He spent his childhood in Newtown, and graduated from Newtown High School in 2001. He went on to graduate from the University of New Hampshire in 2005 and later spent his 15-year career in higher education at the City University of New York, most recently as an Associate Director of Admissions at Lehman College.

Peter’s warmth and compassion were palpable as soon as he walked into a room. He listened earnestly and empathized deeply, as one of his greatest strengths was the ability to find a connection with anyone he met. He gave the kindest compliments and the best hugs. He had charm, style, and wisdom that were uniquely his own. He had a unique and eclectic taste in music and always carried a notebook, where he put his own introspective musings onto the page in the form of lyrics. His sense of humor and wit were reflected in a long list of nicknames created by his friends. Although he played football in high school, Peter was a devoted English Premier League soccer fan, specifically of Manchester City F.C. As a colleague at CUNY, Peter was dynamic and forward thinking, providing support to students and camaraderie among his peers. Most importantly, he was a devoted father to his daughter, Stella, age 5. As a family, Peter, Joanna Kucharski, and Stella loved spending time at the beach in Rhode Island, picking mushrooms in the wilderness and cooking together.

Peter is survived by his daughter, Stella Engel, and her mom, Joanna Kucharski; father and mother, Richard and Maureen Engel; older brother Richard (Casey) Engel and their daughter, Emma; younger sister Karoline (Jeff) Trepper and their daughter, Maren; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

In memory of Peter, donations can be made to a fund for his daughter, gofund.me/d43a14b7, and the Newtown Parent Connection.