In Loving Memory of Peter John Hisey (1952–2025)

Peter John Hisey passed away on October 16, 2025, in Chicago after a brief battle with cancer. He was 73.

Born on May 8, 1952, in Aberdeen, Scotland, Pete grew up mostly in Berlin, New Hampshire, a place that always held a special spot in his heart. He attended Berlin High School and the University of Connecticut, and since 1997 had made Chicago his home.

Pete was the eldest of five brothers — Robert, Charles, Richard, and William— and is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Hisey (pictured with Pete on the day of her birth in 1990); his brothers; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Lila Whyte and Robert Hisey, and his brother Robert.

A gifted writer and editor, Pete spent much of his life working as a journalist. He had a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a deep sense of curiosity that fueled his work and conversations. He loved collecting stories and connecting with people everywhere he went. As a journalist, his unofficial motto was that anything could be interesting if you found the right angle. One of his career highlights was interviewing Barack Obama during his run for the U.S. Senate, later volunteering for his presidential campaign efforts with his daughter. Pete's strong political conscience emerged early — he was even arrested while protesting the Vietnam War — and he remained outspoken about justice, decency, and human and environmental welfare throughout his life. He possessed candor and uncompromising courage.

Music was one of Pete's great loves. He was obsessed. Some of his favorite artists included the Velvet Underground, Iggy Pop, the Ramones, the New York Dolls, the Kinks, the Mekons, Wire, the Fall, and the Jesus & Mary Chain. During his years in New York City, he befriended many of his musical heroes and saw countless iconic shows — including some of the earliest performances by Patti Smith and the Velvet Underground. He passed that love of music on to his daughter, Kathleen, and the two often went to concerts together and shared recommendations.

Pete adored his family, including his beloved Maine Coon cat, Mickey. His favorite animals were cats and otters. He was an avid baseball fan from childhood, with the Braves as his favorite team. He was also a dedicated foodie who never stopped talking about the fried clams from his New England childhood and was happiest discovering a great new Vietnamese restaurant.

Those who knew Pete will remember his wild humor, warmth, intelligence, and disarming friendliness. He had a knack for conversation, a talent for storytelling, and an abiding sense of optimism. He was endlessly kind, deeply thoughtful, and always curious about the world.

Pete is deeply loved and will be dearly missed by his daughter Kathleen, his brothers, his extended family, and the many friends who were lucky enough to know him. His passion for music, justice, and communication live on.

"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." – William Shakespeare, Hamlet

"So long, and thanks for all the fish!" – Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy