Peter David Hancock

Peter David Hancock, 80, of Somers, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, at his home. He entered into eternal rest surrounded by the love of his family.

Born July 14, 1933, in Everett, Mass., he was the son of the late Ernest and Mary (Driscoll) Hancock. Peter grew up in the Boston area and was a graduate of Chelsea High School. Peter proudly served his country as an active member of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during the Korean Conflict. He earned degrees from The Stockbridge School of Agriculture in Amherst, Mass., and Northeastern University in Boston. On July 23, 1960, Peter was united in marriage to his best friend and beloved bride of 53 years, Ann Griesbach. Together they relocated to Somers with their family in 1975. He spent his professional career employed by H.P. Hood and was a member of their Quarter Century Club before his retirement in 1987. Peter served as president of Somers Little League. He was a sports fanatic participating on athletic teams through adulthood. His love of sports was inherited by his children and grandchildren. He was passionate about his favorite teams: the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and UConn Huskies. He finally witnessed the Red Sox break the curse and win not one but three World Series, as well as experiencing several Super Bowl wins and basketball national titles.

Along with his wife, Ann, Peter will be deeply missed by his five children and seven grandchildren, Leigh Mazerolle, and her husband, Brian, of Bristol, Lynne Hancock, and her husband, Christian Anastasia, of Randolph, Mass.; Joseph Hancock, and his wife, Deborah, and their children, Sara and Victoria, of Wakefield, R.I., Lauri Santy, and her husband, Robert, and their children, Elizabeth, Matthew, and David, of Enfield, and Joy Wojtanowski, and her husband, Jonathan, and their children, Sophia and Emma, of Somers.

All have benefited by the examples he set regarding commitment and his dedication to lifelong learning and his how to "roll with the punches" and "never give up" attitudes. He also enjoyed spending time outside tending to his yard and making sure the pool was ready for his family. He spent countless hours reading and solving crossword puzzles.

His family will receive friends on Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main St. (Route 190) Somers, CT 06071.

Family and friends may gather on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home and proceed to All Saints Church, 28 School St., Somersville, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. The family will hold a private burial at Green River Cemetery in Greenfield, Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Peter David's name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675; or to the St. Francis Cancer Center, c/o Saint Francis Foundation, 95 Woodland St., Hartford, CT 06105.

For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit

www.somersfuneralhome.com