Peter Kent Vail

MERRIMAC – Mr. Peter Kent Vail, 79 of Merrimac, MA, loving husband of Judith Coleman Vail, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Avita of Newburyport, with his family by his side.

Born in Salem, Peter was the son of the late Harvel and Ruth (Robinson) Vail. He was raised and educated in Marblehead, graduating from Marblehead High School in 1964 and continued his education at Salem State University, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees.

Peter spent over 37 years as a beloved teacher in the Danvers Public Schools, where he inspired middle school students to explore the fascinating and exciting content of Social Studies. His enthusiasm for world history, geography, and diverse cultures was infectious, and he had a unique gift and drive for building strong relationships with his students. Even during his illness, Peter demonstrated his unwavering passion for teaching, embodying the spirit of a true educator.

After retiring, he cherished the opportunity to travel with his devoted wife, Judy, exploring new places and sharing adventures together. A caring father to Christopher, Timothy, and Kimberly, Peter embraced every moment on the field with his children, coaching baseball and soccer with kindness and unwavering encouragement. His love for sports, particularly the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, was only rivaled by the love he held for his family and grandchildren. Peter's memory will live on in all the hearts he touched, in the lessons he taught, and in the love he spread.

In addition to his beloved wife Judy of Merrimac, with whom he shared nearly 49 years of marriage; Peter is survived by his children, Christopher Vail and his wife, Andrea of Chesapeake, VA, Timothy Vail and his wife, Heather of Arnold, MD and Kimberly Ragoza and her husband, Jeff of Newburyport; his beloved grandchildren, Connor and Hayden Vail of Chesapeake, VA and Charlotte and Theodore (Teddy) Vail of Arnold, MD; his sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Vail of Wakefield, NH, Nancy Swanson and her husband, John of Dartmouth, Deborah Talbot and her husband, Larry of Swampscott and Susan Brady and her husband, Art of Peabody and several nieces and nephews. Peter was predeceased by his loving parents and beloved brother, H. Robinson Vail.

The family wishes to thank the special team at Avita Assisted Living and Memory Care of Newburyport for the wonderful care Peter received through his illness. They are forever grateful.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Peter's celebration of life which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Saturday, November 8th from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter's memory may be made to Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes at https://www.breakthrought1d.org/. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.