Peter Horton Goodspeed

Peter Horton Goodspeed

The last two years have seen Peter’s health gradually decline. Peter passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He died peacefully with his beloved wife of 15 years, Blair Hart, and his two dogs, Lefty and Tula, by his side.

Peter will be remembered for his intelligence, his kind and gentle nature, his love of books, theater, movies, travel and playing bridge. Pete was a great guy and a pleasure to be around. Throughout his illness he was able to maintain his interest in sports, particularly the development of women’s professional basketball.

Peter was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on November 2, 1944. His parents, Eliot H and Ruth H Goodspeed preceded him in death. Peter was an only child. Peter’s father owned Goodspeed’s Pharmacy in Westchester, which was frequented by the artist, Norman Rockwell. One of the exciting events of his childhood occurred when Mr. Rockwell gave Peter the opportunity to pose for one of his paintings.

Peter attended Dobbs Ferry High School in Worcester and graduated in 1962. His undergraduate years were spent at Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI, He graduated with a bachelors degree in Romance languages in 1966.

Peter’s college years were interrupted by his enlistment in the USArmy in 1967 during the Vietnam War. A training injury sidelined him from combat resulting in his assignment to the Army War College teaching counter intelligence strategies. His enlistment ended in 1970, and he continued his educational pursuits at Columbia University, earning a Master’s Degree in film. During his tenure at Columbia, he worked at Scrivners Book Store in NYC. That job gave him the opportunity to write and have published two well-received children’s books, “Hugh Fitzhugh” and “A Rhinoceros Wakes Me in the Morning”. He was immensely proud of this achievement.

For most of his adult life, Peter lived in New York City where he met and married his first wife, Antonia Irene Angelo in 1975. This was a happy union that lasted 32 years. When Peter retired, the couple moved to Santa Fe, NM. Antonia passed away in 2007. Peter was introduced to his second wife wife, Blair Hart, by friends at a Lobos basketball game. They married in July 21, 2011, and enjoyed their life together in Albuquerque for 15 years until his passing.

Peter’s chose a law enforcement career over the arts and began with a position with NYPD. His role transitioned to federal law enforcement as a Federal Special Agent. He was a dedicated agent who was proud of what he achieved during his career.

In remembrance of his life, contributions can be made to Saranam (saranamabq.org), a charity that was dear to Peter’s heart. Saranam is devoted to helping homeless women and children transition to permanent housing.