Obituary of Walter C. Peer

Walter C. Peer, a retired Realty Specialist for the FAA and US Fish and Wildlife Services, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Wednesday morning, August 30, 2017. He was 86 years old. Walter was born in Faust, New York, the son of John and Dorothy (Walsh) Peer. He grew up in Saranac Lake, New York and was a graduate of Saranac Lake High School. Saranac Lake held many special memories for Walter and his family. Every summer included a trip to his family’s home there, so that his children had the opportunity to experience life on the lake as he did as a child. After Walter graduated high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Core where he served his country during the Korean War. After his time with the Marines, Walter went off to college starting at Paul Smith’s College in New York and then graduating from Michigan State with a Degree in Forestry. He went to work first for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services for approximately 15 years and then for the Federal Aviation Administration. In both careers, he worked as a Realty Specialist. It was his job to purchase, sell, or negotiate easements on land owned or to be used by the Federal Government. He was involved in wildlife hatcheries, radar and light towers, and land dealings. Walter, like his wife Janet, was a person of great faith. It was his faith that led him to meet his future wife. They met one Tuesday evening at church as they both attended a Novena Service. They were married and eventually settled in Burlington in 1965 where they raised their four children. Walter became a parishioner at St. Margaret’s Church. He had a daily routine of going early to the 6:45 a.m. Mass. Over time, he took on the responsibilities of opening the church, checking the heat, shoveling the steps, and greeting his fellow Mass goers. He had a kind heart and often helped visitors to the church who needed assistance financially. Walter was very involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He was a strong role model for his children and later for his grandchildren. He lived his faith daily and his family all grew up appreciating his values and conviction. He was actively involved in all of their sports—whether it be hockey games, figure skating competitions, swim meets, baseball, basketball, golf matches or any other event or activity they were involved in. He always had an ice rink in his yard for his children and grandchildren to enjoy. He would spend hours working in the freezing cold and sometimes middle of the night to ensure the well-used rink was as near perfect as possible for them. He and his family were very active at the Burlington Country Club. In his retirement years, his afternoons were spent with his grandchildren. He met them after school, helped them with their homework, shuttled them off to their various extracurricular activities, and had a strong presence in their upbringing. By his own choice, all his grandchildren called Walter, “Grandfather.” Walter had some interests and hobbies over the years. He enjoyed yard work. He was an avid coin collector. He loved farming. When his daughter Dorothy and her husband Gary purchased a farm in Williston, Vermont, Walter loved going up for visits, even if was just for the day. He loved feeding the livestock, being outdoors, and appreciating all the intricacies that are involved with maintaining the farm. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Janet. He loved his home and his final wish was that he be able to stay in the home he loved until his passing. It was a promise his family lovingly made possible. Walter was the beloved husband of the late Janet Ann (Roy) Peer. He was the loving father of Mary Rufo & her husband Massimo of Woburn, John Peer of Woburn, Kathleen Peer of Burlington and Dorothy Boutin & her husband Gary of Williston, VT. He was the proud grandfather of Angela, Michael, John & Marina Rufo; Nicole & John “Jake” Peer, Jr., and Kathleen “Katie”, Elizabeth & Benjamin Boutin. He was predeceased by his siblings; Winifred Spadola, Michael Peer and Evelyn Camelo. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Thursday August 31 from 5-8 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Walter’s name may be made to St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803. For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net & www.saintmargaretburlington.org