Obituary of Peter John Dauk

Peter J. Dauk, a Darien resident since 1966 and former partner in the law firm of Pullman & Comley in Bridgeport where he specialized in litigation, died December 2nd at Stamford Hospital. He was the husband of Nancy Cotton Rawls Dauk. Mr. Dauk, born on July 16, 1936, and son of the late Adele and Peter Dauk, was raised in New Canaan where he attended Saxe Junior High school and graduated from New Canaan High School in 1954. He served as president of his class for three years and distinguished himself as a scholar athlete. While playing football under Coach Joe Sikorski, Peter became New Canaan's first All-State player in his senior year when they won the State Championship. In basketball, he was the League's leading scorer and set several long standing records. In baseball he led the first-team in batting for three consecutive years, and was chosen as an All-League player. At graduation Peter was presented the Edward Janis Cup, signifying the Most Outstanding Boy Athlete. He received his bachelor's degree with Distinction from Brown University in 1959 where he was the only student in his class to participate in three varsity sports. After graduating from Washington & Lee Law School in 1963, he attended Cambridge University in England where he was a member of Fitzwilliam College. After his playing days ended, Mr. Dauk was heavily involved in coaching Darien youth athletics including Darien Junior Football and YMCA basketball leagues. He enjoyed coaching as much as playing himself and was always interested in following the growth and accomplishments of the youngsters whom he taught at an early age. He often said if he had not entered the field of law he would have pursued a coaching career. He was a member of Woodway Country Club, Hammonassett Fishing Association and The New York Anglers Club. An avid outdoorsman throughout his life, his passions included fishing, hunting, boating and golf. It brought him great joy to fish Long Island Sound with his sons on his boat, "The Ahab", in Nantucket on Great Point and in Chatham, MA. He also loved his trips further afield around the world with good friends and family who shared his enthusiasm. Environmentally conscious, he was active in lobbying for the Coastal Conservation Association in efforts to preserve Long Island Sound. Peter was a past honoree of the New Canaan Old Timers and an early inductee into the recently established New Canaan High School Hall of Fame in 1998. He was most proud of this honor as his high school years were so meaningful to him. In 2006 he was honored by the Stamford Old Timers Athletic Association for exemplary accomplishments in the field of sports. Peter loved music, particularly jazz and played the piano for enjoyment to the delight of his many friends. Besides his wife of 50 years, he is survived by his children, Jinsey, and her husband, James; Peter and his wife, Tiffany; and John and his wife, Sandra. He is also survived by his brother, Paul. Grandchildren include Hutchinson Howland Gellert, Ariel Dauk, Brittyn Noel Dauk, Morgan Christine Dauk, Nathan Peter Dauk, John Rawls Dauk, Jr. and Lindsey Vanderbilt Dauk and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service in celebration of Mr. Dauk's life will take place at Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Road, Darien, CT at 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 12th. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the New Canaan Sports Council towards establishing a scholarship fund for a scholar/athlete in his name at New Canaan High School. New Canaan Sports Council, att: Patty Bratches, 11 Farm Road, New Canaan, Ct 06840. Lawrence Funeral Home in Darien is in charge of arrangements. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820