Peter D. Ransom

Peter Donald Ransom, 71, of East Hartland, Connecticut, passed from this world on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut.

Peter was born on August 26, 1954, to Donald "Chippy" and Joan (Galbraith) Ransom. He spent his life rooted in East Hartland, where his family has been for generations.

Peter graduated from Oliver Wolcott R.V.T.S. with a concentration in auto mechanics, and soon after, on August 16, 1974, Peter married Deborah (Baril) Ransom, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage.

He was the father of five children; Jeremy Ransom (Holly) of Thomaston, GA, Rachel Johnson (George) of Cookeville, TN, Elizabeth Ransom (Greg) of New Britain,CT, Nicole Ransom (Mike) of East Hartland, CT, and Ethan Ransom (Amanda) of Austin, TX.

He was a grandfather to fifteen grandchildren: Alex, Liam, Caeden, Amanda and Coby, Emma, (Nic), Abbie, Mason, and Roman; Bethany (Allyn), Elyse, and Zachary; and Morgan and Eva, and soon to be grandson born to Ethan and Amanda in May, 2026. He was also a great-grandfather to Rebecca and Joseph "Ray" Dailey and Iver Morgan.

In addition to his children, Peter is survived by his brother, Leslie Ransom (Wendy) of East Hartland. He was predeceased by his parents, and his brother, Daniel Ransom.

In his younger years, Peter enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, fishing-both ice fishing and bullheading-and spending time outdoors. He had a natural musical ability and could play nearly any stringed instrument he picked up. He also enjoyed gardening, spicy food, and a cold Busch beer. A gifted mechanic, Peter had an extraordinary ability to understand how things worked. He could fix nearly anything, build nearly anything, and often did. Among his many accomplishments, he built the family home himself and later constructed a traditional maple sugar shack using old fashioned building techniques.

Peter was a teacher in many ways. He taught his children practical skills and quiet observations of the world: how to tie fishing flies, pack a shotgun shell, identify plants and garden, recognize architectural styles, and drive a stick shift. He was intelligent, curious, and resourceful, with a mind that never stopped working.

As time went on, Peter faced a significant personal struggle from his battle with alcoholism. A battle that gradually took from him the passions and connections that once defined his life. The man who had sung in the church choir and attended Sunday services became more withdrawn and guarded, distancing himself from family and longtime friends. Those years were marked by loss-of joy, of closeness, and of the life he once lived so fully.

Even so, Peter's life leaves behind an enduring legacy. He lives on in the skills he taught, the knowledge he shared, and the lessons his children carry forward-lessons that shaped who they are and how they choose to live.

A Graveside service will be held in Spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Granby Ambulance Association, 1 Pegville Road, Granby, CT 06035