Peter R. Yara, 62, of Haddam Neck, CT passed away peacefully on July 22, 2015 at Middlesex Hospital. Peter was born in Hartford, CT on August 23, 1952 to the late Frank and Frances Yara. He grew up in Meriden, CT and was a graduate of Orville H. Platt High School where he established lifelong friendships. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dolores (Kogut) Yara, his daughter, Jessica Gordon and her husband Scott of Haddam Neck, CT, his daughter, Kimberly Cirillo and her husband Kevin of Simsbury, CT, his grandchildren Madeline and Jacob Gordon, and his sister Christine (Yara) Tine of Meriden, CT. Peter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was the rock and foundation to a strong and loving family that will miss him immensely. Peter was self-employed for over thirty years. Peter started his furniture restoration business, Custom Wood, in his early twenties where he created beautiful furniture pieces for his customers. Peter's passion for wood restoration will live on through the beautiful heirloom pieces he gifted to his family and friends throughout the years. Peter and Dolores had the opportunity to enjoy many years of travel together, which included trips to Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, and most recently Hawaii. Peter was an avid fisherman relishing the countless fishing trips with family, friends and his fishing buddy, John. He cherished the tractor rides he had at his property in Haddam Neck with his grandchildren, instilling his appreciation and love for nature. Peter had a great love for classic rock and attended numerous concerts during his life. Peter also had a great affection for animals and will be reunited with his loyal Collie, Sable. Peter was a New York Yankee and Giant fan and treasured those quiet nights routing for his favorite sports teams. Peter was a great cook and his family adored the evenings he would grill something special for the entire crew. Peter's family would like to thank the staff at Middlesex Hospital Hospice Unit and the Smilow Cancer Hospital, Floor 12 for all their compassion and care given to Peter and his family during his last days. His funeral will be a private. Memorial contributions in memory of Peter may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Salt Lake City, UT 84096 or online at www.cholangiocarcinoma.org. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com.