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1943
2015
GREENFIELD - Richard G. ""Dickie"" Peeters, 72, of 5 Temple Avenue, passed peacefully on Monday evening, June 8, 2015 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center following a period of declining health.
He was born on May 3, 1943 in Saranac Lake, NY, a son to Gerard H. ""Buster"" Peeters and Elizabeth ""Betty"" (Charland) Peeters and was educated in and was a graduate of a local parochial school. He later furthered his education and obtained an Associate Degree in Management from Greenfield Community College.
Ever the consummate patriot, Dickie ""fudged"" his birth date in order to enlist in the Vermont National Guard in June of 1960 and was assigned to the 131st Engineers Co., at Ethan Allen AFB in Winooski, VT. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1961 as an Airman 3rd Class. Following his period of service in the USAF, he joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard and was assigned to Co. B, 2nd Battalion, 104th Infantry, in Greenfield, MA and was honorably discharged in January of 1980 with the rank of Sergeant.
In his civilian life, Dickie worked for several years for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a laborer and heavy equipment operator on numerous state construction projects. He later worked for the former Strathmore Paper Company, in the Millers Falls Plant, where he served as the union steward and was a supervisor. Lastly, he worked for Mackin Fuel and Trucking, where he was a driver of the oil transport tankers and heavy equipment operator in the quarry, running bulldozers and graders. Dickie came from a long line of heavy equipment operators in his family, and acquired his skills from his father ""Buster"" whose CB handle was ""Bulldozer Base"".
A dedicated family man, Dickie was lovingly devoted to his wife of nearly 49 years, the former Janice M. Hawes, whom he married on August 20, 1966 in the 1st Baptist Church in West Haven, CT. Additionally, he was an adoring and loving father to his three children: Cynthia, Doreen and Jerry, as they were the center of his very being. Sadly, he was predeceased by his son in April of 1987.
Dickie was never one to shy away from those around him in need of assistance - whether it was volunteering to assist the Salvation Army, the Shriner's Hospital for Children or The Brick House - he always answered the call. He was known for his affable nature, his generosity and for being a ""good neighbor"" to all.
Dickie enjoyed many leisure time activities that included fishing and hunting and the out of doors, lengthy conversations (boy could he talk!) which he exercised frequently as a CB enthusiast known by his handles ""Bandit"" and ""Little Abner"". He was an avid ham radio enthusiast, known by his call sign A-A-1-X-U and was a member of the Green Mountain NET, where he volunteered his assistance to new radio operators in establishing their radios and antenna. He could be found each year volunteering his expertise as a radio operator to the Bridge of Flowers Road Race.
He was a member of the Franklin County League of Sportsman, a gun enthusiast, a member of the South Deerfield Polish Club and American Legion Post #81 in Greenfield, MA.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife and best friend Janice, daughters Cynthia and Doreen, grandson David Gerald Giard and his 5 siblings: Cathy Garvey and her husband Roger; Suzie Covey and Theresa ""Cookie"" Parizo, all of Milton, VT and Gerard Peeters and his wife Yvonne, of Winooski, VT and Conrad ""Connie"" Peeters and his wife Melanie, of Kentucky. Dickie also leaves his brothers-in-laws: Robert Hawes and his wife Rhonda; Edward Hawes and his wife Jodi, and Douglas Hawes, all of CT. Additionally there are several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and several cousins. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Buster and Betty Peeters, as well as by his loving son, Jerry.
A celebration of life gathering will be observed on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 11 a.m., from the McCarthy Funeral Homes, 36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA with Rev. Philip Grant, friend of the family to preside. A visiting hour will be observed from 10 a.m. until the time of the services. Inurnment with rites of committal will follow in the Green River Cemetery, Greenfield, MA. Full military honors will be conducted, with members of the 54th Massachusetts Army National Guard in attendance, assisted by the Hale-Clapp VFW Post #3295 providing a firing detail.
Expressions of affection are encouraged in Dickie's memory, to either the Salvation Army, 72 Chapman Street, Greenfield, MA, 01301 or to The Brick House, 24 3rd Street, Turners Falls, MA, 01376 in lieu of flowers. Guest book and condolence message available at www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Dear Cindy, Sending deepest sympathy to you and your family. Warm wishes, Judith Roberts, The Literacy Project
Judith Roberts
June 24, 2015
My deepest sympathy.
Dave Sherman
June 16, 2015
rest in piece ole friend
Ed & Joan wilbur
June 12, 2015
Dear Jan and family,
Marion and I send our sincere condolences to you and the family.
Saint Paul tells us to "mourn with those who mourn." We definitely mourn with you, the family, and Dick's many relations and friends.
We pray strength for all of you as you go through this sad time.
May God truly bless you,
Darrel and Marion Daley
June 12, 2015
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