Peter Kolesar

Peter Thomas Kolesar passed away January 24, 2025, at the Legacy House assisted living in Logan, Utah after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 82.

Peter was born in Bridgeport, CT, on October 14, 1942, to Peter and Annabelle Bobolsky Kolesar. He was the first of their three children that grew up in the family home his father built in Easton, CT. When old enough, he attended a private Catholic high school, Notre Dame High, in Bridgeport. It was here he met the girl who would become the love of his life, Mary Veronica Mason. She was obviously just as smitten, as she liked to tell the story of how she once “fixed Peter up on a date” with a girl she secretly knew was going to become a nun. Peter and Mary V were married in August of 1965 and remained happily (if not quietly) so until Mary V’s death in 2022.

Peter studied at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. There he received his B.S. in geology, and his M.S. as well, before moving with Mary V. and new son Michael (who does not remember getting a vote) across the country to southern California. There he continued his scientific endeavors and proceeded to earn his doctorate in geology from UC-Riverside.

In 1974 Peter moved to Logan, Utah, with his now expanded family (son Matthew had joined the crew in California) to become an assistant professor of geology at Utah State University. During his 33 year stint at USU Peter taught everything from Introductory Geology to Geochemistry, Clay Mineralogy (apparently not as boring as it sounds), and Science in Society. He was an undergraduate advisor, associate department head, and served as MS thesis advisor to 15 students. He was the “College of Science – Teacher of the Year” in 1988 and was honored with a scholarship endowed in his name upon his retirement in 2007.

Part of what he loved most about his profession was the outdoor fieldwork, and he led multiple week-long geology field trips with students during his tenure. His research into the paleoclimate record even led to his certification as a cave diver. Yes, he would scuba dive a hundred feet down into dark, water-filled caverns, in his words “because it was fun”.

His love of the outdoors was also evident in his favorite hobbies. He never needed an excuse to go hiking or camping with family and friends. During the winter, if there was snow, he would be out cross-country skiing. During the warmer months he could be found putting untold miles on his road bike, even late into his 70’s. He was also active in the Cache Valley Catholic community and loved playing his guitar during Saturday evening mass.

Peter will be reunited with his wife Mary Veronica and is survived by his two sons Michael and Matt, grandchildren Brandon and Tyson, and siblings Kenneth and Katherine.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to “Team Peter”: Ginger Anderson, Janet Fiesinger, Kathy Chudoba and Anne Elsweiler, for their tireless and selfless care of Peter during these past 2+ years, and for their compassionate support of the remaining family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Peter’s scholarship fund at USU (https://www.usu.edu/geo/giving/undergraduate/peter-t-kolesar) or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2025/UT-Utah?pg=entry&fr_id=18944 ) 

 All services will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 725 S 250 E, Hyde Park, UT

Friday, January 31
9:30-10:45 AM Visitation and viewing
11:00 AM Mass of the Resurrection. 
12:00ish A reception will follow in the Sandoval Social Hall.

None of the services will be live-streamed, but please come join us physically for any or all of the celebrations of the life of Peter Kolesar.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.