Peter Michael Pelkey

Barre, VT
Peter Michael Pelkey, age 77, chose to die with dignity right at home on Monday, April 29, 2024 with his wife Katrina by his side. He was able to exercise his choice after months of suffering and pain from advanced bladder cancer. In his last moments, Peter showed his delightful sense of humor while surrounded by family and friends. He touched many people in his life, showing respect and interest in each individual. Peter's final life lesson was in how well he conducted himself his final day.
The majority of this obituary was composed by Peter.
Peter was the fifth child of Mirl George Pelkey and Mildred Laura (LaValley) Pelkey. He was born on August 9, 1946, at the former Heaton Hospital in Montpelier, Vermont.
Peter is survived by his wife of 45 years, Katrina Edwards Pelkey; his brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Barb Pelkey of East Montpelier; sisters-in-law, Rachel Pelkey of Barre, Susan Edwards, Sally Canzoneri, Deborah Edwards and Amei Wallach; brothers-in-law, Bill Edwards, Stephen Edwards, an
d Matt Canzoneri. Peter loved his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, delighting in their lives.
He was predeceased by his parents Mirl and Mildred (LaValley) Pelkey; his sister, Elizabeth Pelkey; and brothers, Mirl John Pelkey and Ronald George Pelkey; and sisters-in-law, Ruth Pelkey and Martha Hill.
Peter graduated from Marian High School (1964) in Barre, VT; St. Gregory's College (1967) in Shawnee, OK; St. Anselm's College (1969) in Manchester, NH; and from Vermont Technical College (1977) in Randolph, VT. Always interested in education, he also took courses at Alpena Community College in Michigan and at the University of Vermont for both undergraduate and graduate courses.
In 1970, Peter enlisted in the US Air Force as a Site Development Specialist. There he gained his interest in civil engineering. During his time in the Air Force, he served at Lackland AFB and Shepard AFB both in Texas; Wurtsmith AFB in Oscoda, Michigan; Lajes AFB, on Terciera Island, in the Azores, Portugal. He ended his enlistment in the Air Force at Pease AFB in Portsmouth,NH. At the end of his service in 1974, Peter bicycled from Portsmouth to his home in Graniteville, VT. He fondly remembered that on that trip, he never encountered another bicyclist during his three-day adventure.
On October 21, 1978, Peter and Katrina Edwards, were married at Bethany Church, Montpelier, VT.
Peter was proud that during his lifetime, he had the opportunity to work in different types of work. He had earned money as a field hand picking beans, janitor, tv antenna installer, memorial draftsman, cowboy (branding and neutering cattle), high school teacher, a lifeguard and a land surveyor. As Peter settled down, he got employment with the Vermont Agency of Transportation working in Construction, Highway Design, Bridge Design and Materials Divisions. Peter worked for AOT for 31 years and retired in 2009.
After retiring, Peter, who over the years had developed a homeowner's "can do" attitude towards home projects, turning his attention more to wood working, gardening and traveling. One of his greatest attributes was his practicality and to know when a project called for a professional.
Peter had a great, perhaps even weird, sense of humor. He could see humor in everything around him even his own demise. The object of most of his humor was aimed at himself. To quote himself, "I'm the biggest jerk I know." And "I've been called worse by people who know me better."
Peter was not a religious person in the formal sense, but he did think he was spiritual. Each day, he thanked God for the day. He often would be appalled at some of the hypocrisy he saw from the so-called religious leaders around him. He maintained that Christ is always pictured with open arms and a kindly demeanor towards others, not with folded arms and a scornful look. He also maintained that love and time are the greatest gifts humans are given, so be generous with them.
His arrangements are in the hands of Guare & Sons Funeral home with visiting hours from 6-8 on Friday, May 10. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Guare & Sons Funeral Home.
Katrina wants to express special thanks to everyone helping during Peter's illness, but especially to Dr. David Ospina, Theresa Lever, Janice Jacobs, Joan and Bob Barrett, and Brenda and Chris Benda. A celebration of Peter's life will be held sometime this summer, at his nephew's camp.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Program of Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, 300 Granger Road, Berlin, VT 05641.
Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com