Dr. Norman "Pete" D. Kathan Jr.

Dr. Norman D. “Pete” Kathan, Jr. of Wolfeboro peacefully left this world on February 13, 2026 at home with his wife Penny by his side. Pete was born in 1939 in Albany, NY, the third child of Dr. Norman D. Kathan, Sr. and Marjorie Greenman Kathan. He was predeceased by his sisters, Barbara Wilson and Dorothy Jardine. 

He led a life of service as a pediatrician (a third-generation physician) and as an advocate for children and families in Schenectady, NY; Middlebury, VT; and Wolfeboro, NH. Pete was proud of his fellowship in the American Academy of Pediatrics and was a staunch supporter of mothers everywhere, often citing theirs as the most important job in the world. 

Pete was educated at Elmer Avenue Elementary School, Albany Academy, Wesleyan College, and Albany Medical College. When making rounds as a third year medical student, he was stopped in his tracks by “a vision,” a recent nursing graduate with whom he was instantly smitten. During their 62-year marriage, Penny was his love, companion, supporter, and advisor.

Pete was a loyal Yankees fan (not an easy position in northern New England!) and enjoyed reading, golf, completing the NYT Sunday crossword every week, and spending summers with family and friends on Great Sacandaga Lake in the Adirondacks. He had a near-photographic memory, and delighted in telling stories, such as about when he, as a wheelchair-bound eight year old, sat on Babe Ruth’s lap for a 1947 World Series game at Yankee Stadium. Or the time he had a long conversation with another of his heroes, Fred Rogers, at a medical convention. 

His greatest joys were his six grandchildren: Tucker Lovering, Wyatt French, Luke French, Sophita Riebau, Gus Kathan, and Oona Kathan. Late in life he was blessed by the arrival of a great-grandson, Otis Lovering.

Pete leaves his beloved wife Penny, children Jennifer French (husband Kevin), Amy Riebau (husband Jon), and Scott Kathan (wife Emily), as well as many nieces and nephews of whom he was very fond.

He would remind everyone that children are our future and greatest asset, and deserve all the love and resources they need to help them thrive.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, Pete wished for those so inclined to please make a donation to the Wolfeboro Area Children’s Center www.thechildrenscenternh.org.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dr. Norman "Pete" D. Kathan Jr., please visit our Tree Store.