Peter Michael Molloy

Peter Michael Molloy, a remarkable historian/curator and dedicated family man, passed away on June 30, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 82. Born on August 16, 1942, in New York, New York, Peter led an impactful life filled with both professional achievements and personal devotion.

A graduate of the United States Naval Academy in 1964, Peter served with honor and bravery during combat in Vietnam, retiring after 38 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, which included four years of active duty and 34 years in the reserves achieving the rank of Colonel. His military experience instilled in him the values of leadership and integrity that influenced both his personal and professional endeavors.

Peter pursued higher education with a passion, earning a PhD in the History of Technology from Brown University and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. His academic pursuits were matched by a profound dedication to history, which he demonstrated through his prolific career in museum curation. He held positions as Curator at the Merrimack Valley Textile Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts, and served as Executive Director for The Western Museum of Mining and Industry in Colorado Springs for ten years. Most notably, Peter spent 33 years as the Executive Director of the Hall of Flame Firefighting Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was instrumental in expanding its collection, researching significant artifacts, developing educational materials, and authoring the official book, "The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting at Fifty," in 2012, with a subsequent updated edition.

Peter's home life was characterized by warmth and devotion. He cherished traveling with his family across the United States, exploring museums and national parks, creating lasting memories together. He took great joy in preparing meals for his family, particularly during holidays. His commitment to his family was evident through his roles as a dedicated husband and father, instilling valuable lessons and morals in his children.

Beyond his professional and familial commitments, Peter was known for his diverse interests. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and camping with his son. His keen intellect and love of reading allowed him to absorb knowledge continuously. He was also committed to serving in the Boy Scouts, fulfilling a multitude of roles throughout his participation, and he remained faithfully engaged with his church community, where he held various leadership positions within the Latter-day-Saint Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Katherine Ann Molloy, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage. He is also survived by his two daughters, Rebecca Anne Dithridge and Heidi Louise Elliott, and son, Michael Sean Molloy, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Peter Francis Molloy; his mother, Helen Gertrude O'Keefe Molloy; and his sister, Kathleen Molloy Tissian.

Peter Michael Molloy will be remembered not only for his substantial contributions to the fields of history and curation but also for the indelible impact he had on the lives of his family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of love, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service.

A memorial as been established with the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, 6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85008.