Peter Leon Hamlet passed away peacefully surrounded by love on April 30, 2024.
He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 2, 1943, to Leon and Charlotte Granger Hamlet.
Peter graduated from The University of Chicago in 1964, with a degree in Chemistry and earned his Ph.D. with distinction from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1968. He did post-doctoral research at the University of Kansas and Wayne State University. Peter taught chemistry at the University of Rhode Island as well as Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo before he began his long tenure at Pittsburg State University where he was a professor for more than 30 years.
After retiring from PSU in 2007, he continued his teaching career at South Florida State College where he retired as professor emeritus in 2019.
Regarded as considerate and compassionate by his family, students, coworkers, and friends, he dedicated his life's work to the teaching of chemistry, often using his signature humor in addition to familiar concepts to help students understand that chemistry is all around them. While at PSU, he spearheaded the STARS program, a project designed to interest and encourage 7th and 8th graders in scientific research and he often wowed young audiences with his chemistry magic shows.
He is survived by his wife, Devra Hamlet; son, Joshua Hamlet; daughter and son-in-law, Eliza and Thadd Hale; and three grandchildren including, Elijah Hamlet whom he raised with his wife, Lucetta; as well as his two brothers, nephew, and niece.
His wife of 40 years, Lucetta Zinni Hamlet, passed away in 2012.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to the Pittsburg State University Foundation, Inc. for the Dr. Peter and Lucetta Hamlet Scholarship. Memorials can be mailed to Pittsburg State University, PO Box 4005, Pittsburg, KS 66762 or gifts can be made online at pittstate.edu/givenow. Memorial services will be privately held.
