Benjamin Sayre Cory Kilvert Jr.

1930 - 2016

PETERBOROUGH - Benjamin Sayre Cory Kilvert Jr., 86, died on Mar. 23, 2016 at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough with his loving wife, Terry, by his side.

Mr. Kilvert was born on Feb. 7, 1930, in New York City, the son of Helen (Foss) and B. S. Cory Kilvert. He was educated at the Allen-Stevenson School in New York City, Brooks School in North Andover, Mass. and Yale. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 where he worked for the National Security Agency in Washington, D.C. Upon his discharge, he attended Columbia School of Journalism in New York City.

Cory's career spanned many years as a photo journalist and writer, working for New York advertising agencies in the field of agricultural chemicals and later branching out as a freelancer. He worked for the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration (now called FEMA) in the capacity of public information officer covering disasters such as; Buffalo Blizzard, Johnstown Flood, Hurricane Frederick, and the Boston Blizzard. Other contributions included "Male Chauvinist Cook Book", "Treasurers of America", and to Readers Digest Books "Off the Beaten Path" for which he drove through many states reviewing points of interest for travelers.

His avocation was British Military History spanning 1854 to 1918, with an emphasis on World War One in France and Flanders. His library was extensive, which included several medal groups to named British soldiers and officers. Eight of these medal groups led to the publication of Echoes of Armageddon, 1914-1918: An American's Search into the Lives and Deaths of Eight British Soldiers in World War One. This was a 20-year effort (on and off) requiring many miles of travel throughout the UK, France and Belgium, as well as, the writing of more than 700 letters, BBC interviews and help from total strangers. His second book, Comrades in Courage, the British Army in France and Flanders, 1914-1918, was published a few years later.

Cory cherished his many cats and visits with his family and friends. He enjoyed cooking, singing and traveling with Terry, along the coast of Maine, England, especially the Cotsworlds; Scotland; Ireland; European countries; and Cape Cod.

Along with his devoted wife of 36 years, Terry Rogers Kilvert, Cory is survived by his sister, Janice Kilvert Murray of New York City; six children: B Cory Kilvert III and his wife, Nancy; Nancy Eustace and her husband, Robert, Kate Wright; Gwen and her husband, Jonathan Newman (all of New York); Sarah Kilvert; and Timothy Kilvert and his partner, Joy (of Maine); eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Services will be private for the family.

The Kilvert family extends most sincere gratitude and appreciation to the nurses and staff at Good Shepherd. In lieu of flowers, requests for memorial gifts be sent to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 20 Plantation Drive, Jaffrey, N.H. 03452 or to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.

Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online obituary or to leave the family a condolence, please visit www.jellisonfuneralhome.com.