Peter Cosby van Lent

Peter Cosby van Lent passed away on December 29, 2025, at Canton–Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam, New York. Peter was born on September 14, 1941, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Dean and Rachel Lent. An exceptional student from an early age, he was named valedictorian of the Cohasset High School Class of 1959. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Dartmouth College, followed by a PhD in Medieval Studies and French Language and Literature from Stanford University.

In 1966, Peter married Marjorie Stearns. Their marriage spanned 48 years and was marked by shared intellectual curiosity and a life built with care and purpose.

In 1970, Peter accepted a faculty position at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, where he spent the next 29 years teaching. His academic work reflected wide-ranging interests and deep humanistic values. Over the course of his career, he taught courses in French, French-Canadian Studies, African Studies, and Native American Studies, inspiring generations of students with his breadth of knowledge and thoughtful engagement with culture, language, and history.

Beyond academia, Peter was an avid animal lover. At various times, he raised sheep, goats, cattle, horses, donkeys, llamas, rabbits, chickens, geese, guinea fowl, and turkeys, and he shared his life with many beloved dogs and cats. He often blurred the line between farm animal and house pet, treating all creatures with affection and respect.

Peter is survived by his son, Michael (Colleen) van Lent; his daughter, Joelle (Dan) Palmer; and five grandchildren and his dear friend and caregiver Shirley Sibbitts. His family is very grateful for the care he received at United Helpers in Canton. He will be remembered for his humor, his many stories, his devotion to teaching, and the love he showed for animals throughout his life.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family by visiting his memorial page at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.