J. Peck, John

John Jones Peck, 84, of 4966 Frontenac Rd., Trumansburg, slipped quietly into his new life on Sunday, December 15, 2002.

Born March 7, 1918 in Scranton, PA to George W. and Elizabeth Vail Peck, John was raised by John T. and Ella Vail Jones in Athens, PA following the death of his mother shortly after his birth.

John graduated Athens High School, Elmira Business Institute and Penn State University. He began work for the Schrier Oil Co., and then Ingersol Rand Co. of Sayre, PA. He served 39 months in the Army Air Corp during WWII; he graduated Penn State in January 1950 with a degree in journalism.

For 33 years John worked for Gannett Newspapers, 21 of those years with the Ithaca Journal. In 1950 he became Bureau Manager in Bath, NY for Elmira and Rochester papers. His notebooks of news clippings of Steuben County events 1950-1962 are to be found in the archives of the Steuben Co. Historical Society in Bath, NY.

In 1962 John joined the Ithaca Journal and became manager of the tiny branch office in Trumansburg. Later he joined the Ithaca staff and during the 70's wrote a column called "Peckadillo" which appeared in papers from Maine to Guam. John was a keen observer of what he called "the human condition." He chided us for our conceits and applauded our great kindnesses and indomitable spirit. Copies of a column on how to don a three-armed hospital gown hung in the X-ray department dressing rooms at Cayuga Medical Center for many months.

He taught his children to fish and they spent many enjoyable hours casting local streams and ponds. His retirement gift from the Journal editorial staff was a much-appreciated rod and reel.

His survivors include his wife of 54 years, Jane Shaver Peck, 4 children: David W. (Lucinda) and Steven G. Peck of Trumansburg, Robin E. Kent of Nashville, TN and Stephanie (Michael) Kennedy of Rochester, NY. Eight grandchildren: Eric (Linda) Peck, Shannon Peck, Tina Beaton, Joseph and Brian Signorelli, Kaide, Kelly and Kendra Peck. Three great-grandchildren: Morgan Beaton, Eric II and Elizabeth Peck. John was predeceased by parents and guardians and 2 brothers: George V. Peck and R. Warren Peck.

The family will be present to receive their friends at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg on Friday, December 20, 2002 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, Ithaca, NY on Saturday, December 21, 2002 at 3:00 PM with the Rev. Philip Snyder officiating. The family will receive friends, in the Parish Hall, following the service.

Please direct memorial donations to the Trumansburg Fire Dept. Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 418 Trumansburg, NY 14886 or to Hospicare, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Additional information may be obtained from the funeral home by calling 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley