Peter Stephen Beynor Jr

Peter "Pete" Stephen Beynor Jr., aged 82, passed away on March 13, 2026, in Hartford, CT. Born on May 29, 1943, in Palmer, MA to Stephanie and Peter Sr., Pete dedicated his life to education, athletics, and his family, touching the lives of many as a beloved husband, father, friend, teacher and coach.
Peter's academic journey began at Quaboag Elementary School, continued through Palmer High School and culminated with degrees from American International College (AIC) and Westfield State University, where he also earned his Masters in Education and CAGS. Peter attended AIC on a full Basketball and Baseball scholarship. His professional career started in Wolfeboro, NH and was largely spent in the Palmer Elementary/Junior High School Systems, where he was not only a respected Math and Science teacher but also a mentor and coach. Peter was always eager to uniquely engage his students by teaching science classes outdoors or by playing street hockey and other fun sports with students during recess.
A member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Palmer, MA, Peter was known to leave church early to frequent Tyburskis for his beloved coffee and donuts. It was here that he was baptized, received his sacraments, and celebrated his marriage to his wife, Mary "Kathy" Beynor, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Peter and Kathy met in 4th grade at Quaboag Elementary School and Peter never stopped pursuing Kathy until she finally agreed on a date their junior year of high school.
Peter's passion for sports and the outdoors was unmatched. He enjoyed basketball, baseball, football, golf, fishing, camping, and hiking. He was also a skilled carpenter and house painter, often found working on projects for family and friends. His love for German Shepherds was well known, as was his ability to listen and offer wisdom, making him a respected figure in his community. Peter's fondest memories were made on numerous camping and hiking trips in the beautiful New Hampshire White Mountains with his best friends and family.
Peter is survived by his wife, Mary "Kathy" Beynor; children, Michael Beynor and wife Agata Beynor, Maureen (Beynor) Weiss, and Deborah (Beynor) Lockard (Gunnar); grandchildren, Kyle Beynor (Julia), Noah Weiss, Matthew Reed, Elena Williams, Naomi Weiss, Katie Beynor, and Olivia Williams; beloved sister-in-law, Bunny O'Brien; and siblings, Christine (Beynor) Case, Carol (Beynor) Robinson, and John Beynor (Delores), along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Irene (Beynor) McLaughlin, and grandson, Benjamin Reed.
A service to celebrate Peter's life will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1076 Thorndike St., Palmer, MA 01069, on Saturday 3/21/2026 at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Peter's memory can be made to the ASPCA to honor his love for animals or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to support children's health, causes he was deeply passionate about.