Hartford- Peter Nelson Upton, 79, passed away surrounded by Love, on November 21 st , 2023.
Peter was born on November 7th, 1944, in Buffalo New York, the son of the late Nelson Upton
and Moira Simboli. He graduated from Princeton University in 1966, whereafter he enlisted in
the Navy before serving in Vietnam. A decorated Navy Special Forces Officer, Peter
documented his Vietnam experience through writing, pieces of which would later serve as the
catalyst for the documentary Be Good, Smile Pretty. Following discharge, Peter attended
Boston University for his Juris Doctorate before joining the Navy JAG corps as a Judge.
Thereafter he would spend the remaining decades of his life as a true “lawyer for the people.”
Though his career lied in Law, his true passion in life was painting, and he would consider
himself an artist over everything else. As children, Hilary and Patrick were read stories about
Claude Monet, and the three of them were able to visit his garden in Giverny together. His
paintings will continue to bring joy to all who see them. Peter will be deeply missed, his
warmth, kindness and generosity will be forever remembered by all who were blessed to know
and love him.
Peter is survived by his two children, Hilary Upton-Walker, and Patrick Upton, his granddaughter Carmela Walker, and many family members.
A celebration of life for Peter will be held and notice will be sent by his family. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care has been honored to assist the Upton family during this difficult time. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or to share a memory with the family and friends of Peter. Donations in Peter’s behalf to some of his favorite organizations would be respected, and can be made to either of the following: The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs West Haven VA Hospital. The Family would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to the amazing staff of the VA West Haven Hospital for their care of Peter and the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Atty Peter Nelson Upton, please visit our flower store.
Peter was born on November 7th, 1944, in Buffalo New York, the son of the late Nelson Upton
and Moira Simboli. He graduated from Princeton University in 1966, whereafter he enlisted in
the Navy before serving in Vietnam. A decorated Navy Special Forces Officer, Peter
documented his Vietnam experience through writing, pieces of which would later serve as the
catalyst for the documentary Be Good, Smile Pretty. Following discharge, Peter attended
Boston University for his Juris Doctorate before joining the Navy JAG corps as a Judge.
Thereafter he would spend the remaining decades of his life as a true “lawyer for the people.”
Though his career lied in Law, his true passion in life was painting, and he would consider
himself an artist over everything else. As children, Hilary and Patrick were read stories about
Claude Monet, and the three of them were able to visit his garden in Giverny together. His
paintings will continue to bring joy to all who see them. Peter will be deeply missed, his
warmth, kindness and generosity will be forever remembered by all who were blessed to know
and love him.
Peter is survived by his two children, Hilary Upton-Walker, and Patrick Upton, his granddaughter Carmela Walker, and many family members.
A celebration of life for Peter will be held and notice will be sent by his family. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care has been honored to assist the Upton family during this difficult time. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or to share a memory with the family and friends of Peter. Donations in Peter’s behalf to some of his favorite organizations would be respected, and can be made to either of the following: The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs West Haven VA Hospital. The Family would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to the amazing staff of the VA West Haven Hospital for their care of Peter and the family.
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