It is still hard to think of Peter in the past tense, as I continue to expect to walk down the basement hallway of Sharpless and encounter his smiling face and warm hug first thing in the morning.  

I was gifted 10 years working alongside Peter, as a mentor a colleague and a dear friend.  I learned so much from Peter over the years, but I think the most important lesson is to treat each day as a gift and celebrate each person that the day brings into your life.  Around Peter, one couldn't help but feel special and cherished, because he was always genuinely excited to see you and to get to know you better.  

What a joy to have known Peter.  All of our lives are richer for it. 



Peter was the most amazing, kindhearted, selfless and endearing person we have ever met. He touched all of our lives in the most positive ways and we are devastated and at a loss of words to know that we can never run up to his smiling face and ask what’s for snack, or to sign his golf cart, or simply go into a conversation with peter knowing we will leave it with a guaranteed smile on our faces. We cannot express the love we have for peter and how grateful each of us are that we had the opportunity to know him for 8+ years. Peter will always be the kindest person in each of our hearts and he will never be forgotten. Peter, you deserve to be in a better place happy and at peace. We hope you know that we miss you so much and appreciate you more than anything. Thank you for being you peter lai the everything guy. Our lives wouldn’t be the same without knowing you. 

Love, 
Brooke Ashdale, Ellie Stamps, Julie Hersh, Jolie Miller,  Dylan Green, Sydney Albert and Gaby Flicker 

We were so sad to hear of Peter's passing. Both my children had a math  class with him at GFS and both liked him very much. At Back-to-School nights, I was so impressed with Peter's wonderful, positive energy and clear enthusiasm for math and for his students. As the daughter of a math professor, I so appreciated those qualities in Peter! Warmest wishes to Peter's family.

Peter was a wonderful colleague for all 8 years that I worked with him at GFS. From the moment I met him, I could see his kindness, empathy and deep care he took in working with students and teaching math. He was a always upbeat and always genuinely cared about how I was doing too. I remember proctoring a study hall in his classroom once a week all year and he would often work at his desk during the period. We would catch up at the beginning or end of the period and routinely assist students with math who were in the study hall. I could see his passion for teaching and helping others. What a gift and an amazing talent. I will miss these interactions with him and his dedication for teaching will be an inspiration to my work as an educator for the rest of my life.

Peter was a fantastic teacher and person, and cultivated in me a love of math as a 7th and 8th grader. His kindness and positivity always shone through, and I looked forward to his class. I still remember, a decade later, his unique metaphors for teaching algebra concepts, like comparing asymptotes to middle school dancers. I'm grateful for all that he taught me, and his warm presence in the GFS community.

I had the privilege of working with Peter Lai for 4 summers at Bryn Mawr, 98 - 01, those that knew him know what a wonderful, polite, caring person he was. I’m heartbroken to hear of his passing, we had some fun times together, especially when he came to Europe and we spent time in London, Paris and EuroDisney where we met up with some of his friends. I will cherish those moments together. I hope you knew how much you meant to us.

Peter, what an awesome colleague! So saddened by this news. 😞  I was fortunate to work with Peter at GFS on the 7th grade team. Years of camping trips, NCAA tournament pools, softball coaching and his genuine love of life was unforgettable. He always volunteered first and never complained. Peter's smile was infectious and his love of volleyball and math will forever be unmatched. Rest In Peace, 🙏🏽

Peter's impact on students, fellow staff and the entire school community will continue to be felt for generations.  I had the honor to call Peter a colleague and friend. We were the only male teachers on the basement floor of Germantown Friend's middle school for quite a while. Peter was a master teacher and such a great role model for lessons in humanity. He shared his knowledge, and his time whenever students were in need. I will miss Peter's calm presence and joyful demeanor for the rest of my days. My prayers are with the Lai family.
John King

I was lucky enough to work with Peter at Germantown Friends School for the past four years.  Peter was my friend.  He was actually everyone's friend but somehow still made me feel special.  He made all of us feel special.  He listened to us, cheered us on, loved and supported us, and never asked for anything in return. He was so alive - so present.  I can still hear his voice ringing in the halls in the middle school as he called us all by name.  
My first year teaching at GFS was overwhelming and Peter used to stop by my room each morning to check on me.  It was a bright spot during a challenging time.  These acts of kindness are what I will always think of when I think about Peter. 
It does not make sense to me that someone so special has been taken from us.  He would not want us to be sad but right now I cannot help it.
Peter was a phenomenal teacher.  I believe there are still lessons to be learned from him.  I want to keep learning from him.

Peter was an incredibly kind soul. I was quiet and the youngest person in class, but he would always make sure that I felt included and not an outlier.  I recall he made lots of puns and would give us challenging but silly bonus problems, like “solve this equation to calculate how old I am.”

Years after I took his class, he would still wave to me from down the hall and greet me with an infectious smile. This is a great loss. 

I was privileged to have known and worked with Peter for several years when I taught middle school at GFS; he was also one of my children's math teachers.  He is a bright spot for me when I think of my years teaching in the Sharpless building; not only was he an expert teacher, he was an outstanding colleague and friend. His smile and love of learning were contagious, as was his general kindness. Having known him and worked with him made me a better teacher. He will be missed. Holding his family and friends in the light. -- Chris 

Peter was my son’s 7th grade math teacher. His math course was really challenging but I especially remember his “problem solving questions”  he gave over winter and spring breaks. We tried to do them as a family.  What a good teacher he was! 

We knew he was ill but we never imagined he will be taken so young. Our deepest condolences to his family. 

Rest In Peace, Peter.


Peter was one of the kindest people I've ever worked with. Through his example, I was often reminded of the kind of person I want to be in the world. He knew every member of our community's name, and he made a point of checking in to see if there was anything I needed (despite the fact that it was literally my job to play the supportive role). Peter was a true teammate, a calm and steady presence, and quick to smile or offer an encouraging word. His impact continues to ripple through our campus, and we are lucky -- and better -- for it. We miss him <3

Peter was my 7th grade homeroom teacher and my 7th and 8th grade math teacher at GFS. I was terrified of math, and therefore anxious when I realized I had been put in "the math teacher's" homeroom. Of course these fears dissipated as soon as soon as I met Peter, and this was the reason I was placed in his homeroom. I have so many fond memories of Peter. In his homeroom, we quickly learned that he went to University of Connecticut and about his love of pigs, when he would joke, "hint hint, wink wink, oink oink," and we frequently drew pigs all over the whiteboard. He always greeted us with the widest, happiest smile—not just a smile, a beam—his eyes crinkling, his entire face glowing. Often he would stretch out his arms, reaching towards us for a light hug, or just wiggling them in the air in excitement to see us. He would call our our names with fond enthusiasm as we approached him, making us feel so cared for and starting our morning off in the best way. Peter always had so much energy. I remember him doing dances in math class, to emphasize a point, and laughing all the time as he taught. I always felt so comfortable around Peter, knowing that he was there for me if I was having a tough time, and to help me with my math problems. He had so much faith in me and my ability to start the accelerated math track with him in 8th grade. I remember it was so challenging, but he was always supportive and taught me so much. He used to color his exams, pink, yellow, green, blue, orange, so that they were always more fun, not a boring white. I remember he used to bring us munchkins every week in homeroom. One time he wrote a math problem about what percentage of his salary he spent on treats for his students–joking, of course, but so telling of how much he cared for his students and went out of his way to brighten our day. He was a true blessing during a difficult phase of life. His loss is deeply felt. 

I feel so fortunate to have worked with and know Peter. He made everyone feel at home in his presence and I learned so much from his joyful dedication to caring for and teaching kids. He truly made GFS a better place and he is so missed.

I didn't work with Peter at GFS for very long, but to say he left an undeniable impact on me would be an understatement. He was an incredibly kind and thoughtful man whose smile could light up a room. I always looked forward to seeing him, and he was always so upbeat. He will truly be missed. 

I worked with Peter at GFS some time ago and he was a kind, thoughtful person with both kids and teachers alike. He had such a positive presence, and was welcoming and friendly when I was new.  My deepest condolences to Peter’s family and friends. 

I am forever grateful for Peter's incredible teaching, unmatched enthusiasm for math, and caring nature. I have him to thank for not only inspiring in me a love of numbers, but also for giving this new kid friends in the guise of project partners. This care extended outside of the classroom—Peter also attended every single dance show I and a few other GFSers were in throughout middle school. I cannot imagine the ground floor of Sharpless without his boundless energy, and I will never forget his kindness, humor, and dedication to his students. He will be so missed❤️

I never had Peter as a teacher, but I always thought of him as a warm soul from his dedication to his students and his smiles in the hallway. Even though I wasn't in his classes, Peter knew my name and would greet me every time we crossed paths in the Middle School building. It meant a lot to me as a child to see an Asian American teacher as beloved as Peter was.. My dearest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and students. 

Peter was a remarkable person and educator.  He had the purest heart.  Peter saw the best in others, was tireless in his devotion to kids, and brightened the day of everyone he ever came into contact with.  I feel enormously lucky and grateful to have worked with Peter at GFS.  I will cherish the years that I got to share with him.

Peter was the kindest soul I have ever met. I wasn’t very good at math in middle school but he took the time to carefully help me understand our coursework. I remember feeling so frustrated but Peter wasn’t phased. He didn’t make me feel bad about my misunderstanding, he simply continued explaining and helped me to better grasp the material. Peter taught me the importance of being kind, taking your time, and the power of patience. Peter has left a forever impact on my life and I think about him all the time ❤️

Very sad to hear of Peters passing. While working at GFS I would run into Peter almost every morning while doing my rounds. He always had a smile on his face and stopped to say hello and thank you!  Truly one of the kindest teachers I had met during my time at GFS.  

Peter was my dear and esteemed colleague  at GFS.  I remember Peter as always positive, smiling, creative and caring!  I was deeply saddened to hear of his illness and death.  I will remember him fondly!  My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends for your loss!

Peter was the most beloved cousin.  He is forever in our hearts. 

Peter, May you Rest In Peace and fly with the angels………. We love you.

My dear cousin Peter, 
I don’t  know when I can let you go. We had so many happy memories with our cousins and you spend long  bus time come to New York every holidays. I will always remember you and your positive thinking advice. 

Rest In Peace Cousin Peter


Our beloved brother, Peter, died peacefully at his home on October 1.

On behalf of the family, heartfelt thanks to Sandy, his doctors as well as caring neighbours, lovely colleagues and friends. 

He is now in good hands. Peter has been a warrior since he got sick. His charm will be cherished and remembered by those who know him. 

Rest in peace, our dear brother❤️

#Peter Lai

Beloved brother.  

You will always be remembered as a caring and loving person.  I still remember vividly our last Family reunion trip to Bangkok in 2109,  how you care about each of us, about the people in poverty, about the sharing we have in the evening.  

Before you leave, you spent a couple of months at the camp, which you called your 2nd home, I am sure this will give you fond memories during the last mile of your journey. 

Now Rest In Peace, in the arm of God.  Our family love you forever. 

Brother David Lai

Peter was my 7th grade avisor and 8th grade Pre-Algebra teacher at Germantown Friends and was one of the sweetest, happiest, most caring people I've ever met. Peter was the teacher who taught me to love math. He was supportive, funny and always lended a hand when I needed help. His classes were full of life and the treats he kept in his classroom for after tests and advisory were a huge hit. I went to sleepaway camp and he would always talk to me about his memories at Camp Bryn Mawr. We would ask for special  lunches as an advisory to watch various camp videos from the camps we all went to and watch tons of youtube videos about food. I'm forever grateful for the impact he had on my life. May his memory be a blessing. ❤️❤️❤️

I don't know how to even put into words how kind Peter was. He was so selfless and patient, attending to every campers needs. He lit up everyone's days with his infectious smile and kind heart. Peter made my camp experience amazing, and he was always a source of comfort for me. I will miss him dearly. Rest In Paradise, Peter. 

Peter Lai was a good man, a dedicated teacher, a supportive friend and a wonderful colleague. I am blessed to have known and worked with Peter at Germantown Friends School for over a decade.  Peter was the first teacher at school every morning and worked tirelessly to help his students. Peter never quit. He was meticulous in his preparation and, for that matter, everything he undertook. He was relentlessly good natured and helpful. He loved volleyball and was a dedicated UConn women's basketball fan. Peter left us way too soon, however, the joy of his friendship will remain with all those who knew him.

Peter was the most caring and happy person in the world. At camp, he never failed to put a smile on every camper’s face. Peter made sure that camp was a happy and positive place for everyone. He was so selfless and did everything he could to help out around camp. There will never be someone that can replace him. He is such a special person and we will miss him dearly. Fly high Peter Lai we love you. 

OBITUARY

Peter Lai

Lamb Funeral Home Inc.

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