Peter Chepya

Peter Chepya, 68, of Oxford, CT, passed away Monday, March 25, 2019. He was born in London on April 5, 1950. Peter is survived by his mum Muriel Chepyha of Montreal, his daughter Emma Voytek and son-in-law Joseph Voytek of Westbrook, and his son Brian Chepya. He was predeceased by his wife Bozena Chepya, his father Nicholas Chepyha, and his “partner in crime” Connie the corgi.

Peter was born “Peter Chepyha,” but after law school he “dropped the second ‘h’ so as not to confuse the Americans!” Peter spent the early years of his life in London, as evidenced by his love of dry humor, The Beatles, and fish and chips with malt vinegar. He grew up in Montreal and after attending law school at McGill University moved to New Haven, but enjoyed his most recent years living in “The Valley.” Peter lived a rich “#CloseTo70” life that included service for the Canadian Naval Reserves, bicycling across Europe, traveling through Canada and along the U.S. Pacific Coast, practicing law, teaching, painting, sketching, creating digital content, and working on countless other creative endeavors.

Peter worked at Post University for nearly 30 years, impacting the lives of innumerable students and faculty, and was serving most recently as the Academic Program Manager for Legal Studies. Peter was a crucial member in the early development of Post University Online, started an online journal entitled “Digital Life and Learning,” and recently wrote and starred in digital shorts called “Pete’s Law.” Never one to stop at just one university, over the years Peter also taught courses at the University of Bridgeport, Naugatuck Valley Community College, and Housatonic Community College, to name just a few. For a more detailed look at Peter’s many accomplishments, please visit:

https://post.edu/academics/our-faculty/peter-chepya/ and view the “Pete’s Law” series at:http://www.coursematerials.net/law101/

Peter was not only an incredibly intelligent academic, but also a gifted and creative artist, filling canvases with scenes from all over the world. Please visit your favorite museum and think of him, namely the Yale Center for British Art, which he loved. Peter was warm, loyal, loving, and strong, with a quick wit and a sharp tongue. He loved talking about sports and music with Bri, learning about F1 racing with Joe, and discussing politics, technology, royal gossip, and the retweets on his @PeterChepya Twitter account with Em. Peter was deeply loved by all who knew him, and his legacy will live on in the actions and achievements of his children, family, friends, students, and colleagues.

Finally, Emma and Joe would like to express their gratitude to the team at Yale’s Neuro ICU, especially the incredible nurses: Nina, Shirly, Lyla, Rita, Rob, Emily, and Nolan, as well as Kim Lavoie, Dr. Gilmore, Dr. Kaddouh, and Dr. Brown.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 31, 2019 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School St., Woodbury, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Peter to the Woodbury Yoga and Meditation Center, 122 Westside Rd., Woodbury, CT 06798.

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