Peter Paquette

March 26, 1937 ~ May 10, 2024
Peter E. Paquette (March 26, 1937 - May 10, 2024)
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Teacher and Friend passed away on May10, 2024. Peter is survived by his wife Carole (Sofronas), daughters Jennifer (John), Melissa, Irene (Mark) and Grandchildren Amanda, John, Nicholas, Natalie, Jared and Kallie. Peter was preceded in death by his parents Oral and Isabelle and siblings Jacqueline, Ronald, Warren, Jolene, Gary, Nelson, Lawrence and Barden. He is survived by siblings Judy and Mark.
Peter was an all around athlete and played many sports with his brothers in North Stratford, NH. He played football and basketball for the University of New Hampshire. It was at UNH that he met his bride and lifelong partner, Carole. After Carole’s graduation, they settled in Smithtown, Long Island. Peter worked as a Science Teacher for Kings Park School District, for 30 years. Ever the athlete, he ran in the Long Island Marathon 3 times and was also selected to run in the prestigious New York Marathon. When Peter retired from teaching, he worked 20 more years at a Genetics Lab, retiring in 2002.
Despite Peter’s fierce work ethic, his main love and joy was being home and vacationing with his family. The Paquette family traveled to Greece, Switzerland, Hawaii, England and numerous states in the US camping and had family reunions for decades with Peter’s siblings. Family was everything to him.
Peter’s retired years were filled with making memories with his grandchildren, gardening, doing puzzles and playing Cribbage with his grandchildren, participating in an American History and a Sports book club at the Smithtown Library, traveling with Carole and volunteering. He organized several events for the Caleb Smith Preserve and was Treasurer on the Board of Directors. Peter also gave tours at the Fire Island Lighthouse Museum to 4th graders, dressed as the Lighthouse Keeper. Peter and Carole explored the world during their retirement. They visited a few continents seeing Japan, The United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada and Costa Rica as well as numerous visits to states in the US.
Peter was a pillar in his community and a beloved man to all who knew him. He seriously advocated recycling at home and work, beginning in the 1970’s. Peter was always concerned with the environment and safety of our planet. Please keep his legacy alive by always remembering to recycle.
Despite Peter’s imposing physical presence, his manor was always gentle, and his smile welcoming. Quick to smile and laugh. That is how we remember him.
With Love, Michael and Jane Perrotti
Despite Peter’s imposing physical presence, his manner was always gentle, and his smile welcoming. Quick to smile and laugh. That is how we remember him.
With Love, Michael and Jane Perrotti
Dear Carole and family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Pete.
I worked in the science department at Kings Park with Pete from 1980 until 1987.
He was welcoming and very helpful to me. A gentleman always.
Rest in peace Pete.
May the memories of Pete being smiles to your face and overshadow the grief.
Love,
Carole Barbarite