Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Peter Richard Stepanishen, 84, of Westerly, Rhode Island and Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, at Somerset House in Vero Beach after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was the beloved husband of Lenore (Lee) Thomas Stepanishen, his wife of more than 55 years.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1942, Peter was the son of Peter and Helen Rose (Furmenek) Stepanishen. He grew up in West Haven, CT, graduating from West Haven High School in 1959. A driven student, he earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University, his master’s from the University of Connecticut, and his doctorate in engineering acoustics from Pennsylvania State University, where he met Lee. They were married in 1970 and lived in Groton, CT for several years before moving to Westerly, where they built their home and life together.
Peter began his career at General Dynamics/Electric Boat in Groton, working on submarine control and noise reduction. In 1974, he transitioned to academia when he joined the University of Rhode Island’s Department of Ocean Engineering, where he spent nearly four decades teaching and mentoring students. He took particular pride in the graduate and doctoral students he advised, celebrating their contributions to academia, research and industry. Many of those mentorships became lasting friendships that continue to this day. He rose from assistant professor to full professor and was named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 2013.
In addition to teaching, Peter was a prolific researcher, authoring more than 130 scientific publications over a career spanning more than fifty years. His work advanced the understanding of underwater sound, transient wave propagation, structural acoustics, and acoustic imaging. His research was supported by the Office of Naval Research, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and in his earlier work on biomedical ultrasonics, the National Institutes of Health.
He was recognized with the A.B. Wood Medal and Prize from the Institute of Acoustics in London, election as a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America, and in 2011, the Society’s Trent-Crede Medal. He was a visiting professor at Cambridge University, Stanford University, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the University of Southampton, as well as lecturing on his research in England, France, and China. These visiting professorships gave his family incredible opportunities to join him and experience the culture and education of each destination. Despite his numerous and exceptional professional accomplishments, Peter was incredibly humble, letting his work speak for itself while giving his heart fully to his family.
In his spare time, Peter also found great joy in fishing- a hobby he picked up from his father as a child and enthusiastically passed on to Kent and Mark. Few things made Peter happier than an early morning or evening casting for trout and bass in the waters of Rhode Island, Florida, and Vermont. Like all great fishermen, the tales occasionally exceeded the day’s catch in productivity and impressiveness. He was a member of Dunn’s Corners Community Church and the Ocean Community YMCA, where he found deep satisfaction in his regular lap swimming. He also loved to travel and explore new places with family. He will be remembered as a caring and generous friend and for his sharp sense of humor and his loud, infectious laugh.
Above all else, Peter was an extraordinary husband and father. Along with his wife, Peter is survived by his sons, Kent and his wife Kristen of West Hartford, CT, and Mark and his wife Erica of Franklin, TN as well as his three grandchildren, Violet, Sylvie, and Lukas and his loving and devoted sister, Elaine Stepanishen of Hamden, CT. Peter and Lee built a beautiful life together, rooted in love, support, and family. He was endlessly proud of Kent and Mark, present for every milestone, and unwavering in his love and encouragement. The arrival of his grandchildren opened a whole new chapter and level of joy in his heart. He will be deeply missed.
A memorial service celebrating Peter’s life will be held in Westerly this summer. Full details to follow.
Those wishing to honor Peter’s memory may contribute to the Dr. Peter R. Stepanishen Scholarship in Ocean Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. Checks should be made payable to the URI Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 1700, Kingston, RI 02881, or to Dunn’s Corners Community Church Presbyterian, 221 Post Rd, Westerly, RI 02891.
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
The Family of Peter Stepanishen
April 14, 2026, 3:23 pm
A memorial service will be held 10:30 am, June 6th at Dunn’s Corners Community Church Presbyterian, 221 Post Rd, Westerly, RI 02891
Lexie Demirali
April 15, 2026, 9:03 pm
I just finished reading this beautiful and moving obituary. It resonated deep in my heart and captured Peter’s spirit and life so well. His warmth, humor and the way he showed up for his loved ones will be missed. While I’m so sad, this obituary brought back so many sweet, wonderful memories. Thank you and I’m holding all of Peter’s family in my heart and with love.
Russell Wenger
April 16, 2026, 12:06 pm
Having met Peter and Lee when he was in his 70’s made me realize that Peter was an extraordinary individual with a remarkable background. We celebrated his 80th anniversary of his birth at Post and Vine restaurant in Vero with Lee and other good friends from Rhode Island and Vero. Peter loved company!
We were always welcome at Peter and Lee’s where conversation was highlighted with Peter having a twinkle in his eyes before telling one of his comical adventures. Then his laugh – Peter was good at laughing. He found a way to include you in his conversations that made you want to laugh along with him. Peter will be missed for sure.
Debra Serra Pendola
April 16, 2026, 2:42 pm
Dear Lee and family,
Peter truly was a wonderful man and devoted husband and father. Hold on to his numerous accomplishments and the memorable experiences shared with him through the years. You were all truly blessed.
Your friend, Deb Pendola
Philo Willetts
April 17, 2026, 5:14 am
Awesome intellect, distinguished scientist, determined fellow swimmer, good man. Ronnie and I send our best to Lee and family for their, and our, great loss.
Kam Ng
April 17, 2026, 9:15 pm
A Tribute to Professor Peter Stepanishen (April 11, 2026)
It is with profound sadness and deep personal loss that I reflect upon the passing of my former Ph.D. advisor, Peter Stepanishen, who passed away on April 11, 2026. His influence on my life, both professionally and personally, is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to resonate in the field of acoustics and in the lives of those he mentored.
I began my doctoral studies at the University of Rhode Island in 1983 under Professor Stepanishen’s guidance, focusing on flow-induced noise—an area both challenging and rich with practical significance.
At the time, I was working full-time at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, Rhode Island, which made the pursuit of a Ph.D. particularly demanding. Yet, throughout those years, from 1983 to 1988, Professor Stepanishen provided unwavering support, patience, and intellectual rigor that carried me through to the successful completion of my doctoral research.
Professor Stepanishen was widely recognized as a leading authority in acoustic transients, especially in underwater applications. His work advanced the understanding of complex acoustic phenomena that are critical to naval and ocean engineering.
However, beyond his technical brilliance, what distinguished him most was his dedication to teaching and mentorship. In the classroom, he was rigorous and exacting, instilling in his students a disciplined approach to scientific inquiry. Outside the classroom, he revealed a warm, approachable, and genuinely caring personality that endeared him to all who knew him.
Following the completion of my Ph.D., our relationship evolved from that of advisor and student into a lasting friendship. He did not simply guide students through their academic journey; he built enduring human connections. Over the years, he and his wife, Lee, graciously visited my home in Midlothian, Virginia during their annual travels between Westerly, Rhode Island and Vero Beach, Florida. These visits were always filled with meaningful conversations, shared memories, and a sense of continuity that extended far beyond academia.
Professor Stepanishen’s passing represents not only the loss of a distinguished scholar and educator, but also the loss of a dear friend. His mentorship shaped my career and influenced my contributions to acoustics and noise control engineering. More importantly, his friendship enriched my life in ways that transcend professional achievement.
As I reflect on his life, I am reminded that the true measure of a teacher lies not only in scholarly accomplishments, but in the lives they touch and the legacy they leave behind. Professor Stepanishen exemplified this ideal. His work will continue to inspire future generations of researchers, and his kindness and integrity will remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Patty Parlato
April 19, 2026, 3:16 am
Dear Lee and family, I am so saddened to hear of Peter’s passing. He was such a wonderful man and will be missed. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. With love Patty
Lyn Traver
April 19, 2026, 5:29 pm
Dear Lee, Kent and Mark. I adored Peter. He was always so happy whenever I walked over for a visit. I could see how much he adored you, Lee and how proud he was of you boys. He was such a beautiful person who will be missed by all who knew him. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Lyn and Terry Traver
Lyn Traver
April 19, 2026, 5:34 pm
Dear Lee, Kent and Mark. I adored Peter. He always met me with a smile when I walked over for a visit. He loved you beyond words, Lee and was so proud of you boys. He was such a sweet and kind person. He will be missed by all who knew him.
John Moran and Kelly Moran Quinn
April 20, 2026, 12:32 am
Dearest Lee,
We were so saddened to hear of Peter’s passing. We have fond memories of Peter from Vista Gardens, he will be greatly missed in our community.
Sending our love and condolences,
John Moran and Kelly Moran Quinn