Peter Perkins, 66, of Newtown, a local business owner and accomplished triathlete, died June 7, following a multiyear battle with ALS. He was born in Albany, N.Y., on September 14, 1950, and was the son of the late Arthur A. Perkins and Maryann Vadney. He made southwestern Connecticut his home for the past 50 years.

He graduated from Christian Brother's Academy in 1968 and from Western Connecticut State University in 1973 and traveled extensively around the world before settling down in Newtown.

Mr Perkins was a longtime partner in and manager of Chuck's Steak House in Danbury.

He was also well-known throughout Connecticut and New England as a fiercely talented triathlete who competed in hundreds of triathlons, running races and cycling events ranging from 5Ks to Ironman-distance triathlons around the country. It was widely known that if Mr Perkins showed up at a race, he was likely to win his age group, often by wide margins. Mr Perkins was also a successful race director, having created and directed Chuck's East Coast Triathlon, one of New England's premier triathlons during the 80s and 90s. This race was a major fundraiser for the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

Beyond triathlon and cycling, Mr Perkins was a food and wine lover whose passion contributed to the continued success, growth, and longevity of Chuck's Steak House. His refined palate, management skills, and warm hospitality helped make Chuck's the popular Danbury dining destination it remains today after 44 years.

His two siblings, Mary Beth Horowitz and her husband Mike and Frederick Perkins, all of Albany; his two his nieces; and his beloved yellow lab, who never left his side and who will be well-loved and cared for in her new home, survive him. He also leaves behind a huge circle of friends from the triathlon and restaurant community.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Mr Perkins's life will be conducted on Wednesday, June 14, at 7 pm, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown .Friends may from 4 to 7 pm, prior to the service.

Those who wish to make contributions in Mr Perkins's memory can do so with the ALS Association Connecticut Chapter, 4 Oxford Road, Milford CT 06460.

To leave an online condolence visit honanfh.com.