William Joseph Peets

1906 Clinton, Massachusetts – 1991 Saranac Lake, New York

 

 

Continuation of tree (6th child of Peter Peete/Eliza LaFountain); all known surname descendants:

                 10        William Joseph Peets  b: 12 February 1906  Clinton, Worcester, MA; d: 20 September 1991  Saranac Lake, Franklin, NY

                                    +Agnes Maude LaCounte  b: 14 June 1910  Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY; m: 21 December 1926  St. Alphonsus, Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY [Eli/Alexina Sabourin]; d: 24 October 1994  Saranac Lake, Franklin, NY

                            11          Donald W. Peets  b: 25 October 1928  Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY; d: 23 May 2011  Winter Haven, Polk, FL

                                                 +Leona Dubey  b: Abt. 1929; m: 28 January 1950  Holy Name Church, Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY [George/---]

                                               *2nd Wife of Donald W. Peets:

                                                 +Rita B. Frechette (Bombard)  b: 14 November 1924; m: 30 May 1973; d: 10 September 2008

                            11          Robert Frances Peets  b: 6 September 1932  Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY; d: 1 January 1955  Bordeaux, France

                            11          Theresa Ann Peets  b: 1936  Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY; d: 3 July 2020  Johnson City, TN

                                                +Richard Allan Savard  b: 16 January 1931  Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY; m: 16 November 1952  St. Alphonsus, Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY [Leon/Gladys Boucher]; d: 12 December 2013  Winter Haven, Polk, FL

                            11          Shirley M. Peets  b: 1939  Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY; d: Aft. May 2020  New York

                                                +Donald Dechene    m: 11 August 1957  St. Alphonsus, Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY [Ernest/---]

                            11          Nancy M. Peets  b: Abt. 1941  Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY; d: Aft. May 2020

                                                +Woodrow Maroun    m: 26 January 1960  St. Alphonsus, Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY

                            11          Richard A. Peets  b: 30 April 1943; d: Aft. May 2020

                                                +Carole Lise Fortier  b: 15 April 1946; m: 7 September 1968  St. Alphonsus, Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY

                            11          Gerald J. Peets  b: 20 August 1946  Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY; d: 21 May 2020  Saranac Lake, Franklin, NY

                                                +Rolande Louise Laventure    m: 14 June 1969  St. Alphonsus, Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY

 

 

Notes for William Joseph Peets:

Census:

- 1930 Tupper Lake, Franklin, New York:  William Peetes 24 (wrapper/dish factory), wife Agnes 20, Donald 1 year 6 months.

- 1940 Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY:  William Peets 34 mail carrier/U.S. mail, wife Agnes 29, Donald 11, Robert 7, Theresa 4, Shirley 10 months.  [Altamont]

- 1950 Tupper Lake, Franklin, NY:  William Peets 44 sheet cutter/grocery retail business, wife Maude 39, Robert 17, Theresa 14, Shirley 10, Nancy 8, Richard 6, Gerald 3

WWII Records:  William Joseph Peets, res. 31 McLaughlin, Tupper Lake, NY; b. 12 Feb 1906 Clinton, MA; contact wife Mrs. Agnes Maude Peets; 5' 5", 144 lbs., blue eyes & brown hair, light complexion; 16 Oct 1940 Tupper Lake, NY.

MISC:  Malone Farmer (Franklin County, NY), Wednesday, 18 March 1931:  A very destructive fire occurred in the northern part of this town on Saturday afternoon, when the large house on the William Peets farm was destroyed by fire.  A shed near the house was also burned.  At the time of the fire Mrs. Peets was not at home.  Mr. Peets built a fire in the stove with light dry wood and went to the barn to work on the pump used for pumping water from a well.  Coming out of the barn sometime later he saw the house ablaze.  He summoned aid from the nearby farms and with the assistance of neighbors the furniture was removed from the ground floor but nothing could be saved from the second floor.  There was considerable water in the well but the motor which Mr. Peets was attempting to fix made it impossible to use the water.  The large barn caught fire a number of times but prompt action by neighbors with snow and some water was successful in saving the barn and a smaller shed near the house.  A call was sent to the Massena firemen and five members of the department went to the scene in a car driven by Charles Hawes, carrying a supply of chemical extinguishers which aided considerably in saving the other buildings.  The house was a ten room structure.  The loss is partially covered by insurance.  The William Peets family have lived on that farm for the past ten years.  Three years ago Mr. Peets purchased the farm.

Obituary:  Tupper Lake Free Press (NY), Wednesday, 25 September 1991:  William J. Peets, 85, of 15 Church St., died Friday night, Sept. 20 at the Adirondack Medical Center, Saranac Lake, where he had been admitted Thursday.  He was born Feb. 12, 1906 in Clinton, Mass., a son of Peter and Eliza LaFountain Peets, and attended the Clinton schools.  He had been a resident of Tupper Lake since 1923, and was married at St. Alphonsus Church here on Dec. 21, 1926 to Agnes Maude LaCounte, who survives him.  Mr. Peets worked as a butcher for several markets over a period of more than 30 years, retiring in 1971 from Mikall's IGA, where he was employed for many years. Thereafter he worked for several summers at the American Legion Mountain Camp here.  Surviving besides his wife, who is one of Tupper Lake's Gold Star mothers, are three daughters: Mrs. Richard (Theresa) Savard of Winter Haven, Florida; Mrs. Shirley Dechene, Tupper Lake, and Mrs. Nancy Maroun of Orlando, Florida; three sons: Donald Peets of Winter Haven and Richard and Gerald Peets, Tupper Lake; 18 grandchildren and eight great-grand-children; a sister, Mrs. Leon (Mary) Demars, Tupper Lake, and a brother, Edward Peets of Indian Orchard, Mass.  Another son, Staff Sgt. Robert Peets, died in 1955 while serving with the U.S. Air Force in France.  A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated by Msgr. Dumas, parochial vicar, at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Alphonsus Church. Interment was in St. Alphonsus Cemetery.  Arrangements for memorial contributions to the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad may be made through the Richer Funeral Home.

 

Tombstone Inscription, St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Tupper Lake, NY:  PEETS / William J. / 1906 - 1991 / Robert F. / S / Sgt 469 Eng Avn Bn / Sept. 6, 1932 - Jan. 1, 1955 / Maude L. / 1910 - 1994 / Robert James SAVARD   1954 - 1955

 

Notes for Agnes Maude LaCounte:

Obituary:  Tupper Lake Free Press (NY), Wednesday, 26 October 1994:  Mrs. Agnes Maude Peets, 84, of the Don Smith Apartments, 15 Church St., Tupper Lake, died Monday, October 24, 1994 at the Adirondack Medical Center, Saranac Lake, where she had been admitted Sunday.  She was born on June 14, 1910 in Tupper Lake, a daughter of Eli and Alexina Sabourin LaCounte, attended the local schools and had been a life-long Tupper resident.  She was married on Dec. 21, 1926 at St. Alphonsus Church to William J. Peets.  Mr. Peets died on Sept. 20, 1991.  Mrs. Peets was one of Tupper Lake's Gold Star mothers, a son, Staff Sgt. Robert Peets, having died on Jan. 11, 1955 while serving with the U.S. Air Force in France.  She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary of Edmund Bujold Post 3120, and a communicant of St. Alphonsus Church.  She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Richard (Theresa) Savard of Winter Haven, Florida; Nancy Maroun of Orlando, Florida and Shirley Dechene, Tupper Lake; three sons, Donald Peets of Winter Haven, FL.; Richard and Gerald Peets of Tupper Lake; 18 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; also two sisters, Lauretta Parker, Tupper Lake and Helen Cluette of North Brookfield, Mass. and three brothers, Homer and Leo LaCounte, Tupper Lake and Francis LaCounte, Niagara Falls, N.Y.  Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Richer Funeral Home.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Alphonsus Church with Msr. Edmund Dumas officiating.  Interment will be in St. Alphonsus Cemetery.  Memorial donations to the Tupper Lake Rescue Squad may be arranged through the Richer Funeral Home.

 

Obituaries for the children:

Donald W. Peets:  Florida-News-Chief (Winter Haven, FL), Friday, 8 July 2011:  Winter Haven - Donald W. Peets, 82, of 6314 Grove Pointe DR SE, Winter Haven FL, died of cancer on Monday, May 23, 2011.  Born in Tupper Lake, NY on October 25, 1928, to the late William Peets and Maude LaCounte.  Upon retirement from the Tupper Lake Village Water Department as Superintendent he made his home in Winter Haven, Florida.  Donald passed away peacefully surrounded by his companion Felicia Morrell and family members at the Winter Haven Hospital.  Mass was celebrated on May 28, 2011, 10AM in the Saint Matthew Catholic Church, Father Charles Viviano officiating.  Inurnment immediately followed in the Saint Matthew Garden Columbarium.  During his 82 years, Donald brightened the lives of others through his unwavering commitment to his family, his friends, his community and his church.  Don's life will be celebrated forever by his family; children: Donna Poirier, daughter; and Paul Peets, son, both of Tupper Lake, NY; his five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  He is survived by brothers: Richard, Gerald; sisters: Shirley Dechene, TL, NY, Nancy Maroun, Lutz, FL. and Theresa Savard, Winter Haven, FL.  He was preceded in death by his brother Robert and wife Rita.  On behalf of the entire Peets Family, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the thoughtfulness shown during our recent loss.  Although there are far too many people to name individually, we would like to extend a special thank you to the St. Matthew Bereavement Ministry and Father Charles Viviano, who went above and beyond to take care of every detail.  To the entire Winter Haven community, your generous gifts of time, service, support and food were greatly appreciated.  Your continued prayers during this time are welcomed, and again, Thank You to all for making a tragic time in our lives a bit easier to bear.  Sincerely, Donna and Paul.

Tombstone Inscription, St. Matthews Gardens Columbarium, Winter Haven, FL:  PEETS / Donald W. / Rita B. / 1924 - 2008

 

Robert Frances Peets:  Tupper Lake Free Press (NY), Thursday, 20 January 1955:  Funeral services for Staff Sgt. Robert Frances Peets, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Peets of 17 Facteau ave., who was fatally injured in an auto accident in France on New Year Day, were held at 9 a.m. Monday at St. Alphonsus Church.  The body of the Tupper soldier was flown from France to Westover Field, Mass. and arrived by train in Tupper Lake Saturday morning, escorted by Staff Sgt. Gerald W. Gibbons.  Members of the local Veterans Honor Guard mounted guard at the bier in the Peets home and provided full military honors at Monday's service.  Burial will be in St. Alphonsus Cemetery in the spring.  A native of Tupper Lake and a former Tupper High student, Staff Sgt. Peets enlisted in the Air Force August 7, 1951.  He was stationed for 26 months at Erding Germany, before being transferred last April to Bordeaux, France where he served with Headquarters Co. 469th E.A.B. until his death.  Sgt Peets had shipped home many of his personal effects and was preparing to return to the States later this month after nearly three years overseas.  Surviving besides his parents, are three brothers, Donald, Jerry and Dickie Peets; and three sisters, Mrs. Theresa Savard and the Misses Nancy and Shirley Peets, all of this village.

 

Theresa Ann Peets:  Johnson City Press (TN), Sunday, 12 July 2020:  Jonesborough - Theresa Peets Savard, 84, Jonesborough, passed away Friday, July 3, 2020, at NHC Healthcare of Johnson City.  Theresa was born in Tupper Lake to the late William and Maude LaCount Peets.  She was of the Catholic faith, attending St. Mary’s in Johnson City and St. Matthews in Winter Haven, FL.  In addition to her parents, Theresa is preceded in death by her loving husband, whom she adored and missed dearly since his passing seven years ago, Richard Allen Savard, an infant son, Robert Savard, and her brothers, Donald, Robert and Gerald Peets.  Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Richard “Rick” William Savard and wife Miriam of Burnsville, NC, Kim Anders and husband Michael of Jonesborough, Sherry Perkins and husband Douglas of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Angela, Jess, Michael, Tanner; great-grandchildren, Sofia, Gigi, David, Lucie; siblings, Shirley Dechene, Nancy Maroun, Richard Peets and wife Carole, all of Tupper Lake.  Theresa’s children would like to say a special thank you to Sam and the staff and NHC for taking such good care of their mother.  It was Theresa’s wish to be cremated and laid to rest beside her loving husband at St. Matthew’s Church in Winter Haven, FL.  Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Savard family.

 

Richard A. Peets:  Tombstone Inscription, St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Tupper Lake, NY:  Richard A. Peets / Apr. 30, 1943 - (blank) / Carrolle L. / Apr. 15, 1946 - (blank) / Married Sept. 7, 1968

 

Gerald J. Peets:  Gerald J. Peets passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.  Gerry was born on August 20, 1946 in Tupper Lake, son of William and Maude LeCounte Peets.  Gerry graduated from Tupper Lake High School and was soon drafted in the US Army.  After an honorable discharge, Gerry went on to work as a meat cutter for over forty years at the Grand Union Markets, Tops Markets and retiring from Save-A-Lot in Tupper Lake.  He was also a member of the Tupper Lake Fire Dept for several years.  Gerry enjoyed hunting camp, playing cribbage, casino trips, and visiting with family and friends.  Gerry was an avid NY Giants fan as well as a NY Yankee fan.  Gerry is survived by his son Mark Peets, and his wife Samantha, of Tupper Lake; daughter Paula Duchano, and her husband, Michael, of Syracuse; three grandchildren, Aleah and Alivia Duchano, and Dominic Peets.  Gerry leaves behind three sisters, Theresa Savard of Jonesborough, TN, Nancy Maroun and Shirley Peets Dechene, of Tupper Lake and a brother Richard Peets, also of Tupper Lake.  Gerry is predeceased by his parents, William and Maude Peets; a son William R. Peets; and brothers, Donald and Robert Peets.

Tombstone Inscription, St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Tupper Lake, NY:  Gerald J. Peets / US Army / Aug. 20, 1946 - May 21, 2020

PEETS / William J. / 1906 - 1991 / Robert F. / 1932 - 1955 / Maude L. / 1910 - 1994

 

Back one generation to parents of William Joseph Peets

Back to Table of Contents

Home

 

Items in RED have been verified against parish register entries. 

- New York birth/marriage/death items in RED have come from newspaper obituaries, some marriage announcements, and occasional birth announcements. 

- Some birthdates in RED taken from Social Security records based on obituary/tombstone inscription deathdate.

 

Last updated:  28 May 2022.