The Life of Mr. Peter R. Bilyard

Peter Richard Bilyard, age 81, beloved husband of 39 years to Celeste Loxsom Bilyard, passed away on Good Friday, April 7, 2023 .
Peter was born in Bridgeport, CT on February 16, 1942, the fourth child to Arthur H. Bilyard, Sr. and Ruth Ennis Bilyard. He grew up in Fairfield, CT, graduating from Roger Ludlowe High School in 1960. Peter lived in his beloved Fairfield for over 70 years before moving to Stratford. Throughout his life his interests, curiosity, and expertise were boundless. The word polymath comes to mind.

Peter was predeceased by his parents, and siblings Barbara Davies, Arthur Bilyard, Jr., and Judith Stern.

In addition to his wife, Celeste, Peter is survived by his five children: Elizabeth Bilyard (Matt Gilhuly) of Fairfield, Karen Connelly (John) of Stratford, Whitney Mercurio (Max Brown) of Boston, Phoebe Darwin (Matt) of Fanwood, NJ, and Wesley Bilyard of Stratford. He also leaves eleven grandchildren: Caitlin Bechtel, William Bechtel, Emma Thomas, Christopher Connelly, Jack Connelly, Lena Connelly, Frank Mercurio III, Domenic Mercurio, Finley Darwin, Julian Darwin, and Marlowe Darwin. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his first three children, Joann Baglia Bilyard of Black Rock.

Calling hours will be on Sunday, April 16th from 2–5 p.m. at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield.
A Service will be held on Monday, April 17th at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Peter's memory. www.alz.org .
For a complete obituary celebrating Peter's life, please visit Spear Miller Funeral Home.