Peter James Corbett

Peter James Corbett, age 61, of Fairfield passed away on March 15, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. Peter was born in New Haven on February 22, 1963 to Peter Hand and Barbara Thomason Corbett. In addition to his parents, Peter is survived by his cherished wife of 36 years, Jennifer Loucas Corbett and his children; Peter, Jr. (Piper Habib), Reilly Heine (Connor), and Jack. He is the brother of Mimi Biddle (David) and the late Jeffrey Corbett (Caren). He also leaves his treasured grandchildren; Louise, Vivian, and Peter Heine, with whom he shares a birthday. Beyond his immediate family, Peter was adored and admired by many nieces and nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends.

At a young age, Peter developed passions that endured throughout his life. He enjoyed music of all genres, particularly classic rock, and attended countless Grateful Dead shows and other live concerts. He loved the outdoors and sought any opportunity to be on the water. He was also a talented athlete and sports enthusiast, being a lifelong fan of the New York Giants, Rangers, and Yankees. Growing up, he played football, hockey and baseball, and helped to start the Darien High School lacrosse team. Peter also enjoyed racquet sports, skiing, kayaking and hiking. He is a multi year club champion in tennis and paddle at Shorehaven Golf Club. 

Peter was a sharp mind with a steadfast intellectual curiosity. He voraciously learned and retained all he could. It would not be recommended to go up against him in Jeopardy. Peter met the love of his life, Jennifer, at Depauw University in Indiana, and graduated in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in History. In his late 20s, Peter took the entrepreneurial leap to combine his love of sports and business acumen to successfully develop, own and operate large, multi-sport facilities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and most recently InSports in Trumbull, Connecticut. He also consulted on multiple projects throughout the country.

Peter had an unwavering will to fight as evidenced by how he tackled healthcare challenges, both his brother’s valiant battle with ALS and his own with metastatic cancer. He was wholeheartedly dedicated to the ALS cause, serving as the Chair of the Board of the Connecticut Chapter of the ALS Foundation. In 2023, he led the complex restructuring of the national foundation into state chapters, which allowed the organization to better serve local patients and their families with increased support and resources.

Beyond this endeavor, Peter lived his life always with a service orientation and was giving of his time to many other charities. He served on the board of the American Cancer Society and was the Chairman of the Courage to Speak Foundation. He also participated in mission trips with the Appalachia Service Project through the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church.

Peter led an accomplished life filled with love, intention and integrity, but his greatest joy came from being with his family and friends. A service will be held to celebrate his life on Thursday, March 28 at 11AM at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, 1045 Old Academy Rd., Fairfield.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Michael Cohenuram and the medical team at Yale Smilow Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Smilow Cancer Hospital. Alternatively, please consider a gift to the Connecticut Chapter of the ALS Association.