Peter "Pete" Gilmore Sr.

Peter Gilmore Sr.

Quaker Hill - Peter “Pete” Gilmore Sr., 90, of Quaker Hill, left our world Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.

Pete lived a full and purposeful life — as a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man deeply committed to service, community, and tradition. 
He was the beloved husband of Betty Carver Gilmore, his partner in life for over six decades—68 years. He leaves behind his children, Lucille Cavan (Scott) and Peter Gilmore Jr. (Patty), who will forever cherish his guidance, determination and unwavering love. He was a proud grandfather to Ryan Cavan (Heather), Shaun Cavan (Stephanie), Adam Rosen (Colleen), and Sean Rosen, and a delighted great-grandfather to Payton and Olivia Cavan, who brought him tremendous joy. Pete is also survived by his nieces, Karen Simpson (David), Patty Gilmore Levesque (Russ Elliott), Kathy Carver; his nephew Bobby Gilmore; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. 
Early on Pete was an SP4 with the U.S. Army, serving from 1957 - 1960.  He was a fireman with New London Fire Department for 43 years, retiring with honor as a Lieutenant. He was a tireless advocate for his fellow firefighters, serving for many years as President and Vice President of the Fire Department Union, where he worked passionately to improve safety, working conditions, pay, and benefits for the entire NLFD family.
In addition to his fire service, Pete owned and operated a respected printing business, a craft he took great pride in.
His love of the water was lifelong. He was an avid boater and saltwater fisherman, and one of the proudest adventures of his life was serving as a crew member on the team that sailed from New London to Bermuda in the Bermuda Cup Race.
Pete also leaves a legacy in music and youth development. Alongside a small group of fellow firefighters, he was a founding member of the Surfers Drum & Bugle Corps, giving countless young people an opportunity to learn discipline, teamwork, and the joy of performance.
A true New Englander, Pete was a longtime New England Patriots fan, holding season tickets for 20 years and cheering on his team with unwavering loyalty.
Pete now joins his parents, Charles and Elizabeth Gilmore; his brother Robert Gilmore (Blanche); his sister Barbara Kalinowski (Tony); his niece Johanna Gilmore; and his nephew Johnny Carver, who all welcomed him home.
A Firemen’s Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at St. Joseph Church in New London, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Drum & Bugle Corps — Peter Gilmore, Sr. Scholarship Fund, supporting the music and youth programs that meant so much to him. Make Checks Payable to: Edward Hedge with a memo: Peter Gilmore Scholarship Fund and mail to: Edward Hedge, 345 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT 06385.
Pete had a beautiful heart, a strong moral compass, and high expectations of himself and those he loved. His presence, humor, and steadfast strength will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
May he rest in peace, knowing the impact he made will live on for generations.

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