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Donald Peterkin Obituary
Peterkin
Poughkeepsie - Donald Louis Peterkin, age 59 of Poughkeepsie, NY.
Beloved husband and father passed peacefully from this earth on Saturday February 18, 2012.
He was born in Kingston, Jamaica July 15, 1952 to Hugh and Daphne Peterkin.
He grew up in Kingston, Jamaica and came to United States as a teenager.
Graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in Albany, NY then went on to graduate from SUNY New Paltz with a degree in Sociology and Physical Education. On December 9, 1979, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Valarie E. Peterkin.
They went on to have two beautiful daughters Nadia and Natalie, and later fathered Asha.
He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. Fraternity. Don dedicated his life to the service of others, working for many years at St. Cabrini Home and Department of Corrections- DFY, Wingdale, from where he retired.
He later went on to establish community care homes for disabled veterans for which he worked passionately for more than 25 years.
His reputation as a loving, caring man preceded him everywhere he went. Donald earned respect and admiration from those he encountered. Anyone who met Don was instantly drawn to his charismatic personality and infectious smile.
In addition to his loving wife and daughters he is survived by 4 brothers, Robert (California), Marshall (Jamaica), Paul (Pough.), and John (Pough.) Peterkin, and god-daughter Melissa DeLeon, 4 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was viewed as a "father" and "mentor" to many, and will be sadly missed. January, 2005, Don was blessed by becoming a heart transplant recipient. He has dedicated his time to organ donation awareness and The American Heart Association. In his last days, he was organizing his team to participate in the Heart Walk on March 10, 2012.
In his memory and in lieu of flowers please visit his website to participate and/or donate to the cause (www.dutchessulsterheartwalk.org), search for his team name "Team Donald".
His memory, spirit and love will live on with all of us forever. Services will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 5pm at Faith Assembly of God, located at 254 Spackenkill Rd., Pough., NY 12603.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Peterkin
Sponsored by Andrew Whittingham.
Kitt Potter
February 16, 2021
In loving memory to a wonderful soul. Rest in peace dear Don.
Kenneth Blaize
February 18, 2020
Rest In Peace Brother Don. We shared great times at work and College.
Daryl Sealy
February 16, 2019
Don was a good friend, he was always happy and laughing. We lived across from each other in Capen Hall while attending SUNY New Paltz, and he got me a job at Cabrini home where he was also employed. Over the years we continued to speak to each other frequently.
January 27, 2016
Miss you still
Yvonne Burton
August 18, 2015
Met you just once- with Valerie at our CHS reunion, but all these tribute tell of the wonderful person you really were. Valerie, may you and family continue to be comforted by our Lord and Saviour. Be blessed.
August 17, 2015
Still miss you so much
February 7, 2015
not a day goes by that you are not missed
November 3, 2014
There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss you both good and not so good times. I know your are watching over me.
Love you always
February 18, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Patricia Schofield
July 26, 2013
Val,Nately and Nadia.Iam sorry to hear about Don.You are all in my Prayers and Thoughts.
Patricia Schofield
July 26, 2013
Val,Nately and Nadia.Iam sorry to hear about Don.You are all in my Prayers and Thoughts.
Patricia Schofield
July 26, 2013
Great! Memories.You are missed.
Dr. Henry Cutler
February 19, 2013
Your light still glows in my heart and the many I speak with.
Before you left us I was one of the last voices you heard,and
That conversation still lingers. May God Bless.
February 18, 2013
We miss you
October 10, 2012
Val, you and your family have my condolesences. I would speak with Don from time to time and we would talk about the New Paltz days and Cabrini where I worked for a few months. You may not remember but I lived across the hall from you and Don in Capin Hall. Don was always a very upbeat happy person. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Daryl Sealy
April 14, 2012
Donald its so hard without you
I miss you
Nicole Grant
March 22, 2012
We Miss You Don! We know that you are smiling down on us.Thank you for your words of encouragement and positive influence.
Andre & Meloney Richards
March 22, 2012
To the Peterkin family, I just learned of my dear friend "Radar's" passing and we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolence to you in what may seem like a very dark time. It is our prayer that the "Joy of the Lord" be your strength, and you play often the tapes in your mind of all the joy that Don brought to your life and to the lives of countless others.May the God of all Peace comfort you during a very difficult time.
Dr Henry T Cutler
March 10, 2012
Don, you were a few of the many friends who never wavered in your devotion to help someone in need. I was there many times with you when we made some of those plans. I will continue because you never gave up.
God Bless you. Dr. Henry T. Cutler
Alistair Narcisse
March 8, 2012
Fond memories of a childhood of mischief and fun. Saddened that we never crossed paths later on in our lives. To his family, my sincere condolences! May his soul rest in peace! Alistair L.P.Narcisse
Desirea Brisbon
March 6, 2012
My deepest sympathies for your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
February 29, 2012
Donald Peterkin was a great man of Kappa Alphia Psi. He will be missed.
August M. C. Walker
KAY
Reston VA.
February 28, 2012
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,love leaves a memory no one can steal. I will cherish the memories
February 26, 2012
I love u
Anne & Hank Mac Conel
February 26, 2012
Dear Sweet Val,
Our hearts are breaking for you and your family.
Don was a true gentleman and a loving, wonderful human being.
Hank and I will miss his magnetic personality.
With our deepest sympathy,
Doris Jones
February 26, 2012
To the Peterkin family. I just learned of Don's passing through my father-in-law (Monroe Jones, Sr.) yesterday. I would like to send my deepest sympathy and let you know that the family is in my prayers.
SQUARENUPE
ERIC JOHNSON
February 26, 2012
YO BABY YO, REST IN PEACE NUPE, I HEAR DONALD WAS ALSO A FREEMASON SO LOOK TO THE EAST AND GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY....I WILL MISS YOU NUPE...
February 25, 2012
REST IN PEACE
Patrick Burke
February 25, 2012
To the PETERKIN Family Don found the purpose of Life the way he Loved And Cared for everyone he made the world a better place for us all, Thanks Don For Being My Friend
Kenny Potter
February 25, 2012
Val,
Thinking back to the New Paltz days, how time truly flies by, seems like yesterday. You and your family are in my prayers and I know God will get you through in this time of sorrow. Don - You fought a good fight. - Rest Well My Friend...
Wilbert Davis
February 24, 2012
Valrie,
I wish you God's blessings in this time and your days ahead. The good memories of the life you shared with Don will live on forever. Take your time and do not hold back, as you live on be strong for yourself. I understand what it is to lose a partner and friend. Trust in God and the comfort of your family and friends. You will be okay. May Don's soul find eternal peace.
Wayne Neal
February 24, 2012
Dear Peterkin family.
My deepest sympathy is extended to the entire family. May God bless you and keep you in his care. Hold in your heart that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Deacon Wayne Neal Sr.
Dave Harris
February 24, 2012
D - Dedicated to the cause
O - Outstanding personality
N- Never a dull moment
P - Passion for family, friends, life
Mr. Peterkin, affectionately known as "Don P.", Thankyou for the pleasure & gift of knowing you in life. As my neighbor growing up, you often gave me words of encouragement to do do well, respect my parents, & make the most of myself in life. I still recall our conversations to this day.....
You were a true encoragement to me to stand out & be somebody and make it count in life. YOU were truly a great man to me & many people in the community.
My condolences to the Peterkin family.....Much love to you & for you in your time of sorrow. Your husband/father loved you dearly. Just call me if/ when/ how you need me.
One Love forever.....R.I.P......Don P.
February 24, 2012
To Val and Family, our sympathy and prayers,the YMCA games with "RADAR' shooting his jump shot were memorable.
Jimmy Johnson and Family.
Andrew Whittingham
February 24, 2012
Valerie, my heart goes out to you and your family. I just received the news 5 minutes ago (via Jamaica) and am so upset. Having been there the day he met you, I have a unique knowledge of just how much you meant to each other. Don was more than a cousin to me, he was the older brother I never had and my very good friend. Having known Don since he was that teenager who came from Jamaica, I can say in all sincerity that he was then, and always was, a genuinely caring person who was always there for you. There are few people you meet in life that you can say made the world a better place and Don was certainly one of them. I am blessed having shared part of my life with him, and will miss him very, very much.
Lorelle Briggs
February 24, 2012
Dear Val: We are so sorry for your loss, we will keep you and your family in our prayers. Sincerly Warren and Lorelle Briggs
Lily Noble-Walters
February 24, 2012
February 24, 2012
To the Peterkin Family
With heartfelt sympathy in your time of sorrow. Please acept my deapest condolences on the passing of your husband and father.
I was shocked when I read of Don's passing. May god strenghtens each of you.
Jim McClendon
February 24, 2012
In Remembrance Of Don Peterkin
I knew Don to be a kind, warm, loving and supportive husband, father, and community service advocate. Don always had a kind word for others
and an infectious smile that symbolized his true nature and character, that of, being a person who truly loved people. Don possessed exemplary interpersonal skills, and was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever and wherever he could.
I remembered Don being inducted into our Noble Clan of Kappa Alpha
Psi Fraternity, and from that moment, I knew there was something very
special about Don. He always demonstrated Service above self, and
lived up to the true meaning of the Fraternity's Creed and Purpose. That being, ACHIEVEMENT, SERVICE, TRAINING, and BROTHERHOOD. Don will always be in my heart, and in the Bond of
KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC.
My condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Peterkin Family.
Dr. Jim McClendon ( ATLANTA, GA. )
Joe Rich
February 24, 2012
Dear Peterkin Family:, Please accept my condolences on the passing of Don. He was a very special person. His help to me in the 2011 election will be remembered by me. It was an honor to know him.
Joe Rich
DICK DEPEW
February 23, 2012
My deepest condolences to Val and family on Don's passing. It was a pleasure helping him start his business' and work with him often afterwards. Always a fun time.
Dick Depew
DENISE/CARLTON CLARKE
February 23, 2012
TO THE PETERKIN FAMILY I EXTEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES AND JUST REST ASSURE THAT DON IS STILL WORKING AND HAS SEVERAL BLUE PRINTS UNDER HIS ARM AS HE JOURNEY'S INTO HIS NEW HOMETOWN CALLED HEAVEN. ONCE GOD HAS OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED HIS ARRIVAL, HE WILL BE AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE SPEARHEADING ANOTHER ORGANIZATION,BUSINESS VENTURE AND SMILING.
HE WILL BOLDLY ANNOUNCE HIS NEW POSITION AND ESTABLISHED RESIDENCY, SO THERE WILL BE NO DELAYS IN HIM GETTING TO WORK ON HIS NEXT ENDEAVOR...R.I.P. DON
JOB WELL DONE ON EARTH!!!!!!!!! THE CLARKE"S (NAPLES FLA.)
Jeannette Romano
February 23, 2012
Mr Peterkin was an awesome man. He always stopped over to say when he came into the bank. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. He will truly be missed !
ron peek
February 23, 2012
Dear Val and Family: I am sad and sorry to hear of Don's passing. I enjoyed his friendship from our days at Youth Services, Jacksons Lounge and the noon time YMCA runs. "Radar" was a good man and his energy and enthusiasm always stood out. I am in Florida for the winter and unable to attend the services, but my heart and prayers are with you all. Ron Peek & Family
Earl Powell
February 23, 2012
RIP Brother Don Peterkin,
I am eternally grateful for your active support in the development of At Risk Youth, the genesis of black undergrad Greeks, like myself. and others. We owe it to you and God to con't our unique gifting and efforts to do the same.
YITB,
Bro. Earl Powell
John Hopkins Memorial Line, Sp'79
Matt Nobile
February 23, 2012
Valerie, Nadia, Natalie,
I still can't believe that I will no longer be greeted by that big outstretched hand, the slap on the back, the hug, and that huge smile. He loved the music, and he was definitely part of the Music of Life. I can't imagine what you are going through. My heart goes out to you all. Love,
Sharon
February 23, 2012
R.I.P. Mr. Peterkin, my condolences goes out to you and your family. Heaven needed another angel.
Kitt Potter
February 23, 2012
You are all in my heart and prayers as Don gets his Angel's wings. With love and sweetest sympathies, Kitt Potter and Family
The Joseph Family
February 23, 2012
Dear Val - our thoughts and prayers are with you & the family. He will be missed. Much love from all of us (Michael, Eartha, Claudia & Brian).
Keitha OShea
February 23, 2012
Dear Val and family....So sorry to read this. Take care, with peace and love.
February 22, 2012
Valerie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Edna M. Lyons
celo brown
February 22, 2012
just want to say DON was a good man R.i.P. i send my condolences to his famliy......gone but never forgotten....
Mario Davila
February 22, 2012
psalm 56-13--For thou hast delivered my soul from Death, will not Thou deliver my feet from falling,so that I may walk before GOD in the Light of the LIVING.
Jan Weir
February 22, 2012
"Our condolences to Valarie and the rest of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys" The Weir Family,
Carl McDonald
February 22, 2012
DON, you were the definition of a true friend, one of a kind. Bro we had a lot more tennis games to play. Val my prayers go out to you and the family. We are all going to miss him.
Linda Feola-Howley
February 22, 2012
Paul,John
So sorry to read about your brothers passing I had the pleasure of meeting him so many years ago . My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Lisa Dunn(Williams Family)
February 22, 2012
Uncle Don u will be greatly missed by many...but will still live on in the hearts of us all....my condelences to (Aunt) Valerie, the girls,and all the fam....
kenneth brown
February 22, 2012
hey Val i am so sorry for your loss and my heart and prayers go out to you and the rest of the family.
Patti Meltzer
February 22, 2012
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
MILLS MILLS
February 22, 2012
so sorry Val for your loss don was my friend since the 70s as well as you he was a good hubby and father and thank u for being my friend for all thse years GOD has him safe and in his care now your friend Mills
Mario Davila
February 22, 2012
Don played on my basketball team at SUNY New Paltz, called the Cac iques, we had a preety good run in 1977--God bless U Don and your family----Mario Davila
February 22, 2012
DON YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND. A TRUE GENTLEMAN.A GREAT FRIEND I WAS HONORED TO HAVE KNOWN YOU.YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED.SHAWN PITCHER
Ray Watkins
February 22, 2012
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family of Donald during this most difficult time. We pray that you find comfort in knowing that he is resting peacefully now. God bless you..
Leslyn Scheider
February 22, 2012
Paul,
I am so sorry to hear of your brother's passing..please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your shared memories. My sincere condolences to his family.
kindest regards,
Leslyn Scheider
kenya thrasher
February 22, 2012
My prayers go out to Mrs.Peterkin in family...
Henley Taylor
February 22, 2012
To the Peterkin family look to God in this difficult time he knows best. He will take the pain a way. I'll be praying for the family. Donald gone too soon.
February 22, 2012
Hard to believe he"s gone he was so kind
C Smart
February 22, 2012
This comes to say That many thoughts, Sincere as they can be,Are going out to you today Someone so special can never be forgotten.With Deepest Sympathy .
Vanessa Roberts
February 22, 2012
Don, you were one of a kind. To the entire Peterkin family, may God give you strength in this very difficult time.
Char
February 22, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will love you and miss you always
Your friend forever
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