Peter Rhett duPont

Peter R. du Pont passed away peacefully on April 20th, 2026 in New York City, surrounded by his loving family.

A man of remarkable intelligence, warmth, optimism, and humor, Peter was known for his quick wit, genuine kindness and deep booming voice.

He was a true Renaissance man—an avid fisherman and hunter, all-around athlete, gifted artist, skilled woodworker, birder and nature lover, gardener, passionate reader and cinephile. An intellectual and crossword puzzle whiz, he was loved by all who knew him, from every walk of life.

Born in Richmond, Virginia in 1932, Peter was the youngest son of Emile F. du Pont and Sarah Dure Townsend. He spent his early years in Richmond and then Seaford, Delaware where his father headed the DuPont Company’s first nylon plant. Peter attended Friends School in Wilmington, Delaware and graduated from Brooks School in 1950. He earned his degree from Yale University in 1954 and then served in the United States Army Counter Intelligence Corps from 1955 to 1957.

Peter began his career on Wall Street at the firm Francis I. duPont & Co., where he and his cousin and close friend Gough Thompson became the youngest full partners in the firm’s history—an ascent noted on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. Professionally, Peter was known and admired for his wisdom, dedication, leadership and integrity. He later held positions in other financial, consulting, and software firms. Over the years, he served on the boards of several organizations.

Peter is survived by his wife, Eugenia, of New York, NY; their two children, Laura R. du Pont of New York, NY and Andrew R. du Pont and wife Alexa of New York, NY; three children from a prior marriage, Nichol L. du Pont of Mendham, NJ, Peter T. du Pont and wife Dhon of Bangkok, Thailand, Scott T. du Pont of Los Angeles, CA; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Alicia L. du Pont.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Brandywine Conservancy.