Peter M. Lafen ’73

Pete died Feb. 13, 2019, of a heart attack. His keen intellect, commitment to social justice and our environment, and ability to engage in deep and meaningful conversation with everyone he met, made an indelible mark on all who knew him.

He graduated from Pennsauken High School. At Princeton Pete majored in history with a certificate in Russian studies and served as vice president of Colonial Club. Other Princeton activities included fencing, the Bric-a-Brac, the Nassau Herald, Whig-Clio, Karate Club, and the Band. After earning a law degree from Syracuse University, he worked in environmental lobbying, citizen activism, and community service.

A great conversationalist, Pete often returned to Princeton and especially enjoyed talking with first-generation students. His faith and Russian heritage remained an important part of his life, and through Russian studies, he met his wife, Caroline Early. They had two daughters, Katherine (Julien Xavier) and Masha. He served as PTA president at their schools and coached their soccer teams. He loved traveling, canoeing, hiking with his family, and time with his grandson, Theodore Xavier, and his dog Zoe.

Pete was that special person who combined a deep commitment to his own family with a passion to extend educational opportunities to students of all economic and ethnic backgrounds. He worked extensively to improve the civic life in his Silver Spring, Md., community and to make the world a better place for all. The class extends its condolences to Pete’s family.