Peter Francis Scott was the eldest son of Peter and Margaret (nee Grover) Scott, born in the wake of WWII in New Jersey, but soon moved to Bethesda, MD, where he spent his childhood.

He attended St. Lawrence University, earning a bachelor's degree in Religious Studies and joining the ROTC program. While there, he met his first wife, Frederica George, married for fourteen years. He later earned a master’s degree in Literature at American University.

From 1967 to 1970, he served in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a Ranger and advisor to the CIA’s Phoenix Program in Vietnam. His time in service shaped much of his later life; he became deeply involved with the local Cambodian community here in Cleveland and always thanked fellow veterans for their service.

Peter lived a full, meaningful life shaped by his love of nature, literature, and learning. He was a ranch hand in Wyoming and a lobsterman in Maine. In 1974, he found his true calling at Hawken School, where he taught English and started programs like Outdoor Leadership, Bioethics, and a Bible course. Alongside teaching, he wrote four historical fiction novels and a personal account of the Vietnam war in Cambodia. In 1987, he also helped launch The Mountain School program in Vershire, Vermont.

One parent, who later became a friend, said, "his teaching exemplified an education for life… and a call to students to live deeply and joyfully… with compassion and with heart".

Every summer, he traveled north to Isle au Haut, a small island off the coast of Maine. There, he shared his love of nature with his family, showing them coves, rowboats, seals, and the beautiful views that brought him happiness. In Maine, he found peace outdoors, enjoyed reading aloud to his family by the fire, made friends with island residents, and took time to enjoy the simple moments.

He was grateful for each day, whether watching birds, driving to see the fall leaves, or sitting in the sun on the porch in Ohio or Maine. He enjoyed watching the light on the ocean, seeing birds at the feeder, and spending time with friends as they shared stories.

He was most proud of his family, not just for what they achieved publicly, but for the qualities he valued most: compassion, service, joy, and a love of nature.

Peter is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Holly (nee Boyer) of Chagrin Falls; his three children, Jacob (Sarah) of Gates Mills, OH, Sarah Felson (David) of Cleveland Hts., OH, and Michael Scott of Portland, ME; loving grandfather of Maren, Rhys Scott and Amelia and Reed Felson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Planned Parenthood and the United Negro College Fund.

A Memorial Service will be held at a date and time to be determined.