This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Dr. Peter Edward Pool, DMD, of Essex, loving husband to his wife Robin, phenomenal father, fun-filled grandfather, dedicated friend, and faithful brother passed away on Sept. 18. Born in Buffalo, New York on Nov. 18, 1937, he was the son of Gerrit and Muriel Sugnet Pool of Greenwich. Peter graduated from Tufts University School Dental Medicine with a doctorate in 1960. He served as captain in the United States Air Force as a dentist, afterwards moving to Essex, which became his home for the next 57 years.

In Essex, he proudly opened his own dentistry practice. He was dedicated to his work and to his patients and staff, including his longtime co-worker and neighbor Taffy. After his retirement in 2011, he and his wife Robin enjoyed traveling to beautiful, unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations.

A prolific and entertaining storyteller, Peter told tales from his epic childhood capers with his friend Tommy Green, with whom he fought forest fires and enjoyed high-jinx escapades. But his favorite stories were of adventures with family. Peter was deeply devoted to his wife Robin, his six children, their spouses, and his nine grandchildren. He knew that time spent together was precious, and he made every event special, whether it was shooting off model rockets on Thanksgiving Day or singing happy birthday to the washing machine. Every single day had something worth celebrating. He shared each of these celebrations through the pandemic lockdown via a daily family “Zoom at Noon,” making new memories with his family both near and far, including a continued friendship with his first wife, Margaret Driscoll.

He maintained his home, yard, and ponds with exquisite care. In summer, he motored around on his floating dock, and in winter, he glided on an iceboat, which he crafted himself. A tinkerer, he often had creative projects, and when you heard his tuneless whistle you knew a new project was underway. He built a waterwheel to generate electricity to light up his American flag, made elaborate fountains in his yard, and cast unique family heirloom jewelry out of gold. Peter loved toys. He invented a steerable kite, flew remote-control airplanes, and gleefully shot off various cannons from his collection for important or just daily events. He could be seen zipping around town on his green antique Vespa heading to the hardware store or piling his kids onto his antique fire engine for ice cream. He adored his sailboat, Catling, which he was perpetually modifying and improving. In his trademark boater hat, he cruised the Connecticut River and was especially proud that he was still sailing by himself past his 80th birthday.

Peter played fife in the Essex Sailing Masters in the ‘70s and spent decades as a devoted member of the Ingham Hill Running Group. He was an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association throughout his long career. He was a member of the Horace Wells Society. A member of the Essex Rotary Club for 50 years, he reveled in being a “denailer” at the annual Shad Bake. Peter believed in public service, volunteering his time to make our world a kinder and a more just place.

Peter’s life is celebrated by his loving wife, Roberta L. Pool; his six children, Leslie Hutchins and her husband David of Madison, Lori Lenz and her husband Rich of Deep River, Kari Petrovic and her husband Marc of Ohio, Charles Pool and his partner Darryl Randall of Miami, Florida, Jennie Asaro and her husband Joseph of Randolph, New Jersey, and Bridget Pool and her longtime friend Scott McKinley of Alexandria, Virginia; his beloved nine grandchildren, Rob, Phoebe, Kevin, Josef, Kay, Edward, Peter, Michael, and Daniel; and his brother Paul Pool and his wife Barbara, as well as several nephews and a niece. He was predeceased by his brothers Gerrit Hendrik Pool and Edward Pool.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen at https://shorelinesoupkitchens.org/ or Meals on Wheels at https://ecsenior.kindful.com/.

Due to the family’s concern about COVID, a graveside gathering to celebrate his exceptional life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, at the River View Cemetery, North Main Street in Essex.

To share a memory of Peter or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.