Peter Daniel Axten, 74, of Milford, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026

Peter Daniel Axten, 74, of Milford, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Milford Hospital following a period of challenging health issues. He is now at rest, reunited with his parents Daniel and Irene Axten, and his sister Linda Axten.

Born on May 21, 1952, at Milford Hospital, Peter was a lifelong Milford resident with deep roots in the community. As a young man, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, including a deployment in Germany during the Vietnam war. After his military service, he lived in San Diego for a time before returning to his hometown, where he remained for the rest of his life.

Peter was an All-American basketball player for the Milford Indians before attending Furman University and later the University of Connecticut, where he played on full scholarship for both men’s basketball teams. Years later, he shared his love of the game by coaching his son and daighter’s basketball team at St. Mary’s School.

In 1988, Peter built the family home where he and his former wife, Mary Lynn Axten, raised their children. The house was constructed using bricks salvaged from old Central Grammar School in Milford, a fitting tribute to the town that shaped his life. His connection to Milford stretched back generations. His father, Daniel Axten, operated a Christmas tree farm on North Street and owned Dan’s Bar & Grill downtown Milford, located where Stonebridge Restaurant now stands, giving Peter a life long connection to Milford’s history and it’s people.

As a young man, Peter worked at Milford Automatics for the Chernock family, who had been like a second family to him and remained among the most important and cherished people in his life. Peter then went on to work for Northeast Utilities, beginning at the nuclear power plants in Waterford, Norwalk, Milford, and Southington before becoming a lineman for Eversource. His work helped keep power flowing reliably throughout Connecticut and across parts of New England. He was known as a hardworking, dependable man who never hesitated to lend a hand to family, friends, or anyone in need.

A devoted Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Milford, Peter was known for his warm smile, quick wit, adventurous and generous spirit, and unwavering integrity. He carried himself with quiet class and was often seen wearing a pastel button down shirt, crisp khakis, and a leather jacket, with the familiar scent of Davidoff Cool Water cologne. Peter had a playful sense of humor and was always joking around, whether teasing family and friends, pulling an innocent prank, or finding a way to make everyone around him laugh. He relished sharing jokes and puns, singing to Dean Martin, watching basketball and football, and enjoying documentaries and films about history. Peter was a proud member of the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Society, where he celebrated his Polish heritage alongside family and fellow members. Some of his happiest moments in recent years were spent on the back patio of the home he shared with Catherine, enjoying good food, drinks, laughter, and the company of family and friends. Above all, he valued family, loyalty, and tradition, and could always be counted on by those he loved.

Peter is survived by his son, Daniel Axten and wife Gabriella Axten; his daughter, Katelyn Axten; his sister, Virginia Lewis; and his devoted partner and love of his life, Catherine Crowley, along with her daughter, Katelyn, son’s Kevin, Ryan and Mathew and six grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly and cherished spending time with.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Church, 70 Gulf Street, Milford (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Saint Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Avenue, Milford.

To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com