Peter Klopfer, beloved co-founder of Carolina Friends School, died on June 5, 2026. His vision, courage, and deep commitment to Quaker values helped shape Carolina Friends from its earliest days and continued to influence the School throughout his life.
In 1962, Peter helped found Carolina Friends School as one of the first racially integrated schools in the region. Guided by his Quaker faith, he believed deeply in creating a place where children could learn, play, question, and grow together, in relationship with one another and with the natural world.
Peter brought simplicity, intellectual curiosity, and a spirit of stewardship to the School. He believed joyful and meaningful learning did not require pretense, and his careful financial leadership helped Carolina Friends grow on a sustainable foundation. Above all, he helped establish a school grounded in the Quaker belief that there is “that of God in everyone.”
His relationship with Carolina Friends extended far beyond its founding. Over the decades, Peter returned to classrooms to teach and share his scientific expertise, stories, and wisdom with new generations of students. He also served on the Board of Trustees, offering guidance that helped keep the School connected to its founding principles and spiritual grounding.
Peter’s influence reached well beyond Carolina Friends. A distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology at Duke University, his pioneering work in ethology led him to co-found the Duke Lemur Center. He founded the Godiva Track Club, combining his love of running with his belief in community. His commitment to civil rights also led to Klopfer v. North Carolina, the landmark 1967 U.S. Supreme Court case that extended the Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial to state courts.
Throughout his life, Peter was an educator, scientist, activist, mentor, steward, and seeker. His belief in the possibility of a more just and peaceful world was reflected in how he lived, taught, and cared for others. Together with his wife, Martha, he helped weave values into Carolina Friends School that remain at the heart of the School today.
Peter’s legacy lives in the generations of students, families, staff, and friends who have been shaped by the School he helped create. His conviction that education can transform both individuals and society continues to inspire the work of Carolina Friends School.
For those who would like to honor Peter’s memory, we invite you to make a gift to Carolina Friends School. A memorial gift is a meaningful way to carry forward Peter’s vision for a school rooted in Quaker values, intellectual curiosity, simplicity, stewardship, and respect for every person. Your generosity will help ensure that future generations of students continue to learn and grow in the community Peter devoted so much of his life to building.
Please use the form below to make a gift in memory of Peter Klopfer. Gifts of any amount are deeply appreciated. If you would like to discuss a memorial gift, make a gift of stock or through a donor-advised fund or IRA, or explore another way to honor Peter’s legacy at Carolina Friends School, please contact Deb Feinberg, Director of Advancement Office at 919-383-6602 ext. 223 or at dfeinberg@cfsnc.org