Obituary of Peter Afanesenko

Peter Afanasenko, 77, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023. Born in Munich, Germany he moved to Nyack, NY in 1950 where he was raised. He studied engineering at Columbia University before transferring to American University to finish his degree in International Relations.  Peter proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1969-1972 and then launched a long, distinguished career of government service, mainly in the US State Department.  For over 40 years, he served as the Senior Russian Interpreter spanning 6 presidential administrations.  He was part of countless historic moments including the Apollo-Soyuz Space Mission talks, US and Russian Presidential Summits, SALT talks  and was a key actor in the steps to ending the Cold War. His ability to master both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting made him one of the few specialists in his field anywhere in the world, and his behind the scenes work and sacrifice quietly changed history. 

Peter was predeceased by his parents, Illarion and Polina (Sidorenko). He is survived by his wife, Kathryn “Kitty” Smith; sister Luba Lukianov (Sergei), son, Nicolai Afanasenko (Angela), daughter, Natalia Tower (Donald), five grandchildren Dimitry, Alexandra, Anastasia, Marina and Calina; stepchildren, Stacia Smith (Carl), Sunny Smith (Christina), Lyle Smith, and Carolyn Hale (Matthew); and six step-grandchildren.

A Pannyhida will be held at St. Alexander Nevsky R.O. Cathedral, 200 Alexander Avenue, Howell Township, NJ on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 9:00 AM Funeral Service at the Cathedral on Friday, December 22, 2023 .  Interment will follow in St. Vladimir R.O. Cemetery, 316 Cassville Road, Jackson Township, NJ.  Arrangement by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township, NJ.  For those who desire, memorial contributions in Peter’s name may be made to St. Alexander Nevsky R.O. Cathedral.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com