Eldred G. Peck, long time resident of Walpole, NH died on August 12, 2018 at the age of 89 after a brief stay at Langdon Place in Keene. He was born on August 13, 1928 in Elmira, NY, the son of James Peck and LaNora Merriam. His wife of 50 years, Pearl of Chattanooga, TN, preceded him in death in May of 2006.
Eldred leaves behind a daughter, Susan Peck of Anaheim, CA and a son, David Peck of Dover, NH. Additionally, he is survived by his granddaughter, Jennifer (Gressman) Peck, spouse Phillip Gressman and great grandson, Henry of Swarthmore, PA and grandson, Christopher Peck of Woburn, MA.
When you think of Eldred Peck, you think of a true Renaissance man. Eldred was as at home in the boardroom as he was sitting on his front lawn, on a warm summer evening, drinking his patented “Edtini”. Eldred was ahead of his time in so many ways. From academics to aviation, along with his far ranging personal interests, Eldred simply excelled. His interest in things was never casual, quickly becoming expert.
Academically, he entered MIT at the age of 15, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering near the top of his class. When asked about his experience there at such a young age, his response was “More challenging than the academics, was the social aspect. I wasn’t driving or dating and certainly couldn’t hang out with my pals at the pool hall. I really didn’t have much choice but to spend all my free time studying.”
After graduation he began his career at the Mengel Company in New Brunswick, NJ. He entered the Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed at Thule, Greenland during its construction. After leaving the military, he returned to New Brunswick. During this time in his life, he met and married Pearl. Apparently, brains, good looks and a job was not enough to convince Pearl, a career woman, working as a research chemist at the Atomic Energy Commission in Princeton, N.J. to begin dating him. It was only when Eldred pulled up in his brand new Mercury yellow convertible, that he started to make serious progress with Pearl! They married on June 2, 1956, in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Westfield, N.J.
Throughout his professional career mainly in the paper manufacturing business, Eldred and his family which now included children Susan and David, lived overseas in Brazil, Puerto Rico and Ecuador. US ports of call included Lowell and Gardner, MA, Richmond, VA, Darien, CT, Vestal, NY, Wyckoff, NJ and Pittsford, NY. The family was seriously on the move with Eldred’s career. Pearl exclaimed more than once, “Over the years, we moved 13 times in 15 years!” Once the children were grown and off on their own, however, Eldred and Pearl settled into Walpole in 1981 where he retired in 1983 at age 55.
As a citizen of the world, Eldred’s interests were far ranging. He was an expert marksman, taking great pride in his knowledge of firearms and ammunition, working for several years at the gun shop in nearby Alstead. He loved skeet shooting, bridge and snorkeling. Eldred had keen interest in photography, taking the photos on all family trips and events. His passion for the mechanical, the inner workings of all that surrounded him, supported a life of relentless questioning and curiosity. Eldred never lost interest in the events of the day and the world around him.
In keeping with Eldred’s wishes all service will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Ruck-Up of Cheshire County, 42 Upper Knight St. Keene, NH. 03431 a local organization which supports veterans in need, beyond what federal agencies provide. Most importantly, live your life to the fullest, with a moral integrity which Eldred Peck never compromised. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
