Peter Dudley Canning of Stonington died January 4, 2023. He was born on November 21, 1950, the second son of William John Canning, an architect, and Marian Toner Canning, a nurse. Peter grew up in Groton, Connecticut, and graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School and Webb Institute, where he studied Naval Architecture.
After college, he moved to Berkeley, California to work as a yacht designer with Gary Mull. In 1973, he returned to Connecticut, where he started his own design firm, designing two sailboats manufactured by Metalmast (the Metalmast 30’ and 36’), and two manufactured by Mariner Yacht Company (the Mariner 28’ and 36’).
In 1980, Peter began his career at Electric Boat, where he worked for 37 years in various roles, including serving as the Manager of Naval Architecture. He found great purpose in designing submarines for the U.S. Navy, and in working at Electric Boat. Building strong relationships with colleagues across Electric Boat, and with their customers - the Navy - was a big part of what got him up each morning. He enjoyed recruiting and mentoring talented naval architects and engineers.
Peter loved boating, hunting, and fishing with his brothers: Bill, a successful wealth manager in New London, and Douglas, a renowned pediatric surgeon in Philadelphia. He built two homes, including one with his great friend, H. Wes Maxwell. Later in life, he dedicated himself to the sport of rowing, encouraged by his friends Karl Parks, Stephen Parks, and Hart Perry. A member of Mason’s Island Yacht Club, Off Soundings Club, and the Mudheads, he was also proud to be a member of the Mystic Seaport Museum for almost 50 years.
Peter also loved spending time with his wife, Sarah, his daughters, Katherine and Martha, and their family and friends at the Mason’s Island Yacht Club. He looked forward to Sarah’s chocolate cookies and watching the Boston Red Sox. He was obsessive about dandelion removal from his yard, but refused to use pesticides. He taught his girls to sailboat race and fly kites. A relentless problem solver, he always had a solution for any pending problem his daughters had. As those with daughters will understand… his advice was mostly welcomed. He loved dogs, woodworking, single malt scotch, snowy days, family parties, hazy summer mornings by the water, and snappy bowties.
Peter is survived by his immediate family, Sarah, Katherine, and Martha Canning, his brother William G. Canning, his sisters-in-law, Suzanne H. Canning and Annabelle B. Canning, his nephews and nieces, William J., Tracy, John, Alexia, Maddy and Caroline Canning, as well as his delightful great nieces and nephew: Sabina, William, Flora and Louisa Canning. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Douglas A. Canning, and his nephew, Peter H. Canning.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Avalon Health Care Center for their wonderful care for Peter during his final years.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Church, 27 Church St., Stonington. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Peter’s honor to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, 27 Chase Street, Pawcatuck, Connecticut 06379 c/o Susan Sedensky, J.D., Executive Director