We write to inform you of the deaths of The Reverends Richard (Dick) Alvin Ellis, H. Bacon Collamore, Jr., Harry Knisely, Peter R. Lawson, and Donald Peet. We give God thanks for their lives and for their years of faithful ministry in The Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May t soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Jeff & Bishop Laura
Let Us Pray
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servants. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, sheep of your own fold, lambs of your own flock, sinners of your own redeeming. Receive them into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
May the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Richard (Dick) Alvin Ellis
Died, August 2024
The Reverend Richard (Dick) Alvin Ellis died in August of 2024 following a short period in hospice. Richard was the pastor of St John’s Pine Meadow for 22 years, from 1971 to 1992, a time of great change in the parish and greater community. His wife, Monica, who predeceased him, was the school librarian at Ann Antolini during his tenure as St John’s priest. He is survived by his sons and family.
You can watch his funeral service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYnofLEdyC0
H. Bacon Collamore, Jr.
June 25, 1928 – February 13, 2025
The Reverend H. Bacon Collamore, Jr., died on February 13, 2025. During his lifetime, he played a significant role in supporting Seabury, an Episcopal community for senior living. He served as President and member of the Board from 1978 to 2000, during which time he identified crucial issues facing the community and spearheaded significant improvements to church home facilities. Under his leadership, Seabury transformed into a modern retirement community with a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care.
The Board of Seabury named a new wing after him to honor his contributions.
Harry Knisely
July 15, 1940 – April 19, 2025
The Reverend Harry Knisely died on April 19, 2025.Ordained to the Episcopal Church in 1969, he dedicated his life to ministering to congregations across the country. He served faithfully in parishes in Williamsport, PA; Bend, OR; Williamsville, NY; Oil City, PA; Burlington, IA; Newtown and Bridgeport, CT; Harrisburg, PA; and most recently, as an associate priest at St. John’s Carlisle.
Peter R. Lawson
January 3, 1939 – March 8, 2025
The Reverend Peter R. Lawson died on March 8, 2025 in Sonoma County, California. Peter Lawson was ordained in the Diocese of Connecticut (Deacon in 1956 and priest in 1957). He served two congregations there (in Southport and Broadbrook) before being called to urban ministry in Newark, New Jersey in 1960 and then to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he became dean of Christ Church Cathedral. He was last canonically resident in the Diocese of California, where he served from 1980 to 1997, when he retired.
Donald Peet
January 12, 1932 – April 12, 2025
The Reverend Donald Peet died on April 12, 2025. A 1958 graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary, he was ordained a Deacon that same year and later an Episcopal priest in 1959.
He dedicated his life to ministry, serving as Vicar at St. Paul’s in Plainfield for six years, then as Rector at St. Andrew’s Church in Milford for 15 years. He concluded his decades of devoted service as Rector of St. John’s Church in East Windsor, where he led the congregation for 17 years before retiring in 1997.