Ernest (Ernie) Peck, 92, passed away on March 14, 2025. For 53 years he was the beloved husband of M. Joan (Abbott) Peck who predeceased him in 2014. Born in Providence RI on June 17, 1932 to the late Isadore and Irene (Lavallee) Peck, he moved at an early age to Riverside, RI.
He is survived by three sons; John Peck and his wife Maia of Ohio; Alan Peck and his wife Teresa of Bradford, RI; Brian Peck and his wife Vera of American Samoa; his sister Jean (Peck) Tardie of Rumford, RI; and six grandchildren (Sarah, Katherine, Brendan, Orla, Fynn, Esme). He and sister Jean were especially helpful to each other in recent years. Known as Pepere to his grandchildren, he was a kind-hearted caring grandfather always encouraging them in their interests and endeavors. He was predeceased by his sister Carol (Peck) Capraro and brother Kenneth Peck.
Ernie graduated from East Providence high school and served in the US Naval Reserves for 8 years. He met his wife Joan at a Catholic young adult organization in Riverside Square and was a faithful communicant of St. Brendan Church. Joan and Ernie were one of many couples who met at this organization, married and then remained lifelong friends. In addition to being an avid bowler, he greatly enjoyed vegetable gardening, the outdoors, bow hunting in his younger days, and especially fishing throughout his life. Ernie was a member of the Sabin Point Yacht Club and founding member of the Riverside Sportsman’s Association. He brought his family and friends on countless fishing, clamming, and beach trips on Narragansett Bay aboard his hand-built, wooden boat the Happy Hours; during which he instilled a deep appreciation for the natural world in others. Ernie was always ready to lend a helping hand to family, friends, neighbors and strangers.
Ernie worked for the Davol Rubber Company for 42 years. In 1970 he was one of the lead union organizers and served URW Local 911as its first vice president when the union was established after a long and difficult strike. For decades thereafter he chaired the safety committee, because he considered workers' health of utmost importance. He was committed to his fellow workers and to Davol the company.
In lieu of flowers, please perform an act of kindness to others.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am Saturday, March 29th at St. Brendan Church, 60 Turner Ave, Riverside, RI 02915. A reception will be held afterwards next door in the school’s cafeteria. All are welcome.
