Peter Tork Of Monkees Fame, A Longtime CT Resident, Dies at 77

MANSFIELD, CT — Peter Tork, an accomplished musician with an affable personality who rose to fame as a member of the TV band the Monkees, died Thursday, eight days after his 77th birthday.

He called Mansfield home for many years.

His full name was Peter Halsten Thorkelson and he was born Feb. 13, 1942, according to his biography.

The family said he died at home.

A statement posted on Facebook Thursday read, "We are all saddened to share the news that Peter Thorkelson — friend, father, husband, grandfather, philosopher, goofball, entertainer — died peacefully this morning at a family home in Connecticut. Peter succumbed to a 10-year bout with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Peter’s energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him. Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage."

See more from the family here.

Tork is best known as the keyboardist and bass guitarist of the Monkees with Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz but in recent times he fronted bands called "Shoe Suede Blues" and "The Mansfield Hollow Promises." The Monkees show ran from 1966 to 1968.

Dolenz Tweeted condolences:

Micky Dolenz‏Verified account @TheMickyDolenz1 ... There are no words right now...heart broken over the loss of my Monkee brother, Peter Tork. #petertork #themonkees @TorkTweet

Tork was not shy about sharing his experiences with cancer on Facebook and encouraged his fans to support research efforts of the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation.

In announcing his death, Tork's Facebook page had the following post:

"It is with beyond-heavy and broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world ... We ask for your kindness and understanding in allowing us to grieve this huge loss privately."

The page is remaining open for condolences and they immediately began pouring in. Here is a sampling:

• Sue Korotkin So very sad. A huge part of my childhood gone. May you rest in peace. I hope you and Davy are jamming in heaven!
• Laurie Connolly Perry RIP Peter. will miss your smiling face popping in and out. you had a wonderful life full of (mis)adventures and joy. prayers for all missing you today.
• David Susman Rest easy Peter and thank you for a lifetime of good music. The Monkees are The one musical fit my wife, kids, and I can agree on. I am so glad I was able to see you and Mickey perform in Boston. Peace.
• Jeff Gehringer Thank you for the touching our hearts. The September 16th 2016 concert at the Pantages theater was Peter's final show with the Monkees. He brought us such joy.

U.S. Rep. John Larson, known by colleagues in Washington and Connecticut as "the human jukebox," learned of Tork's passing on Thursday afternoon.

"He was one of a kind ... so down to earth ... a geniune guy," Larson said. "I'll miss his talent and sense of humor ... what a loss."

U.S. Rep Joe Courtney said the family gathering around the TV to watch Tork and his bandmates turned evcery episode of The Monkees into "an event."

"That was at the height of the show's popularity, but Peter was more than that," Courtney said. "He was a real talent."

On Twitter, music legends and fans offered their reflections:

R.I.P. Peter Tork https://t.co/7MupqRioKa
— Carole King (@Carole_King) February" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/Carole_Kin... 21, 2019

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