Peter F. Locke Jr.

Peter F. Locke, Jr., 66, of Stafford Springs and Punta Gorda, FL, passed away Thursday, (May 22, 2003) at Charlotte Regional Medical Center in Punta Gorda, FL. He was born in Stafford Springs, son of the late Peter F. Locke and Charlotte (Sopstyle) Desloge. Peter was a retired meters operations coordinator for Northeast Utilities, and a U.S. Naval Reserve Second Class Petty Officer, 1955-1963. He was a representative to the CT state legislature for four years, Assistant Majority Leader, 1973-1974, selectman for the town of Stafford for four years, director of the Stafford Elderly Housing Authority, 1964-1969, director of the Stafford Public Health Nursing Association, 1975-1980, director of the Staffordville Community Center, 1965-1975, a member of the Stafford Inland Wetlands Commission, 1972-1982, past member of the Stafford Republican Town Committee, Jury Commissioner for the town of Stafford, 1972-1982, a member of the Consolidation Committee Borough of Stafford Springs, a member of the Northeast Political Action Committee, and director of the Stafford Citizens' Scholarship Foundation for the past 15 years. He was also past president of the Hartford Industrial Management Club, past president of the Staffordville PTA, two terms, director of the Dutch Point Credit Union, director of Sun Valley Camping Cooperative, a member of the Electric Council of New England, where he was past secretary, past chairman, on the metering sub-committee, and present chairman of the committee, and committee member of National Electric Code - Panel 19. Peter became a member of the Johnson Memorial Corporation in 1987, and was elevated to Trustee of the Johnson Memorial Corporation and Johnson Memorial Hospital in 1988, also elected to serve as Executive Board Member of the Corporation in 1996 and served until he resigned in 1997, and was a trustee of the Johnson Evergreen Corporation from 1989 until he resigned in 1997. He was a member of Troop 50 Boy Scouts of America Committee for five years, coach of Stafford Little League and Boys League, 1968-1973, a lifetime honorary member of the Italian Benefit Society, Inc., past master of Wolcott Lodge #60, past director deputy of 9th District Grand Lodge of CT AF & AM, director of the Stafford Rod & Gun Club, pace car driver at Stafford Motor speedway for 25 years, a member of Stafford Rotary Club and President, 1991-1992, Paul Harris recipient in 1995, a Connecticut State Firemen's Association Irregulars member, a member of Stafford Fire Dept. #1 for 33 years where he was secretary for four years and treasurer for three years, a 45 year member of Orient Chapter No. 41, R.A.M., a member of Palmetto Elks Lodge #2449, Port Charlotte Loyal Order of Moose #2121, and First United Methodist Church and Men's Club in Punta Gorda, FL. Peter is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Bette-Jean (Smith) Locke; two sons, Peter F. Locke III and his wife, Marcia of Walpole, MA, John N. Locke and his wife, Andrea of Stafford Springs; five grandchildren that he loved so dearly, Joseph, Evan, and Colby Locke of Walpole, MA, Samantha and John Locke of Stafford Springs; two brothers, Daniel Locke of Willington, Barry Locke of Stafford Springs; and a sister, Carol Panciera of Ashford. A funeral service will be held Friday, May 30 at 1 p.m. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main Street, Stafford Springs, CT with Rev. Thomas Darling officiating. Burial will follow in Stafford Springs Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT. Calling hours are Thursday, 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Peter F. Locke, Jr. Fund, Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of Stafford, Stafford Savings Bank, c/o Rose Roszczewski, P.O. Box 25, Stafford Springs, CT 06076 or to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 507 West Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL, 33950.