Frank Peter Cate

1938 - 2023

Frank Peter (Pete) Cate of Hillsboro, NH, peacefully passed away on December 5, 2023, after a brief stay at the hospice house in Concord, NH. Pete was a wonderful grandfather, father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was dedicated to his hometown of Hillsboro, NH, and spent his life in service.

Born to Elmer and Theodora (Gagnon) Cate in Hillsboro, Pete attended the local one-room schoolhouse for primary school. He grew up with his hardworking parents and his 3 siblings William, his twin sister Floreida, and Rose. He eventually met a girl from Massachusetts named Judy Ouellet, and they married on New Years Eve 1964. Their marriage lasted for 57 years until her passing last year. Together, they had two children, Jason and Patrick, and made a life in their Hillsboro Upper Village home, not far from Pete's childhood home.

After graduating from Hillsboro-Deering High School, Pete held various jobs around Hillsboro, including auto mechanic at Wyman's Chevrolet and serving as a milk delivery man for Hillsboro Dairy. He also volunteered as a firefighter with the Town of Hillsboro. Pete served his country first in the Army National Guard as a rifleman/cannoneer and in the United States Air Force as an aviation technician. His true calling began in 1970 when he became a part-time police officer. Pete was active on the Hillsboro Police Department from 1970 to 1999, serving as a patrolman, sergeant, and eventually as Chief. Chief Cate earned the respect of many, becoming a beloved and effective leader in the town police. He was awarded a Medal of Honor by the Union Leader for outstanding act of heroism in 1991, among many other awards and recognition. However, throughout his career, earning the respect of and serving the citizens of Hillsboro was of primary importance to Pete. His humorous and caring approach leave many with wonderful stories about Pete and his service as a police officer.

After retirement, Pete briefly served as a deputy sheriff but mostly dedicated his time to being a grandfather to Justin, Austin, Elizabeth, and Patricia Cate. They lit up his life from the moment they were born until the last Thanksgiving the family had all together this year. He also took care of his wife and home throughout the rest of his life. While many knew him as Chief Cate, when the badge was off, he was a dedicated family man.

Pete was predeceased by his wife, Judy Cate, in August of 2022. He leaves behind their sons Jason of Hillsboro, and Patrick and his wife Sarah (his primary caregiver in his final years) of Campton, NH, and four grandchildren. Among his chosen family, his close friends included Virgil (Babe) and Janice Houghton and family, and Gerald "Buzzy" and Shirley Cilley of Windsor, NH. He was predeceased by his parents, in-laws Antony and Susan (Morse) Ouellet, and his siblings Sgt. William E. Cate, Floreida (Cate) Greene, and Rose (Cate) Landry. Pete also leaves behind many other cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and a community whom he all loved.

A celebration of life service is scheduled for January 13th at 11:00am at the Smith Congregational Church in his beloved hometown of Hillsboro, NH, followed by a reception at the American Legion Post 59 Hillsboro, NH to share stories of his life and celebrate in his honor.

A graveside service in the Spring will be held in May.

The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service Hillsboro, NH, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to the Hillsboro United Methodist Church, the Hillsboro Rescue Squad, or Granite VNA, all of whom cared for him in his time of need. In his honor, please continue to serve and respect others, in the manner he lived his life.

For more log on to www.holtwoodburyfh.com