Kenneth A. Peckham

Kenneth A. Peckham, 82 of East Greenwich, passed away November 19, 2017. He was the husband of Sandra (Surowiec) Peckham. They were married for 54 years. Besides his wife he leaves his sister Karen (Peckham) Holland and husband, William and his wife’s brother Brent Surowiec and his wife, Cheri. He was the brother of the late Geoffrey Peckham. Born in Narragansett, he was the son of the late Col. Elisha and Eleanor (Boyd) Peckham. Ken graduated from High School in Trestie, Italy. He was a 1958 graduate of the University of Rhode Island where he played basketball for the Rams, was captain of the tennis team, and a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. A gifted all-around athlete he excelled as a skier, golfer, fast softball pitcher, in sailing, and as a Golden Glove champion in his youth. He also was an avid fisherman and enjoyed duck hunting. Ken began his career as an assistant purchaser at Gorham Manufacturing Company and spent thirty-two years in chemical sales before retiring from Velicol Chemical as Director of Sales. After retiring, he then spent several years working for The Chemical Company in Jamestown, RI. He was a member of the New England Chemical Club and former member of Point Judith Country Club for 25 years. Nicknamed “Buster”, he enjoyed the company of his many nieces and nephews. Uncle Bus was often seen watching ball games of the Holland kids and taking trips to rural Maine to see Sandy’s brother and wife and their children and watching his niece compete in major ski races. His quiet demeanor, strong will and determination were admired by all who knew him as he bravely fought cancer for thirty-five years. He refused to give up and was a fighter to the end. Funeral service will be held Saturday November 25, 2017 at 10am in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St, Wakefield. Burial to follow in 1st Hopkinton Cemetery in Hopkinton. Visiting hours will be Friday from 4-7pm in Avery-Storti Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice VNA of Care New England or the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island.