Prepared by Karen Donegan
Peter Colburn Williams, 81, passed away on May 23 in Schenectady. He is survived by his loving partner of over 40 years, Karen Barron Donegan; his three daughters, Elizabeth Greenwood, Alexis Coatney and Zanna Williams; and his grandchildren, Aleah Coatney, Gavin Coatney and Mack Grafft.
Peter was born in Los Angeles and was raised in Alhambra, California. He loved exploring the Southern California outdoors as an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Alhambra High in 1961, he went on to graduate from Occidental College with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, political science and government. He received both his juris doctor in law in 1968 and a doctorate in philosophy in 1973 from Harvard University.
After graduation, he moved to Port Jefferson to work at Stony Brook University, first as a professor in the Philosophy Department, then teaching medical ethics to hundreds of medical students. He was instrumental in crafting medical education to incorporate social, ethical and legal issues in medicine. In 1999, Peter and Karen moved to a beloved historic home in East Setauket. In 2000, Peter was appointed vice dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs and served with distinction in this position until his retirement in 2012, when he was granted emeritus status. He was a talented teacher and mentor who loved his students and was loved by them. Many former students became lifelong friends.
“The smartest, funniest, craziest, most insightful friend ever.” — Tom Karl.
“I loved Peter. So did my wife, Lynne. He was one of her favorite professors in medical school.” —Timothy Mount.
“He was one of the smartest people I knew and one of the funniest. His sense of humor was as wicked as his heart was wide.” — Will Parrinello.
“Pete had the ability either to scare the crap out of someone with his intellect or to let it more gently dawn on the listener while putting them at ease.” — Jim Paul.
Peter and Karen met at the home of mutual friends in Port Jefferson. They embarked on many adventures together, traveling to New Zealand, Colombia, the Caribbean and around the United States. He enjoyed hiking and backpacking the Appalachian Trail and Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii.
He was an active person who enjoyed playing tennis, riding his bicycle and sailing. He loved music — listening to classical music, singing in the university choir and LISCA. Peter was a jack-of-all-trades at home. He was a gourmet chef and sometimes builder, electrician, woodworker and plumber. He and Karen spent many happy hours tending their beautiful yard and vegetable garden. He also loved animals, adopting many beloved pets over the years. He had a special fondness for birds and birdwatching.
In lieu of a service or flowers, donations may be made to the Sierra Club or the National Audubon Society. To share a memory, visit Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home at www.rossiditorofuneralhome.com.
