Peter A. Rivard

Peter Andrew Rivard, 76, of Jaffrey, New Hampshire and Edgewater, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at his home.

Peter was born in Peterborough, NH, May 24, 1944, to Henry and Virginia (Wall) Rivard. The family home was in Rindge. He was born fourth in a family of five children, and very much enjoyed being the youngest brother. He grew up chasing after his big brothers David and Kevin, was adored by the oldest sister Patricia, and kept a close eye on his baby sister Virginia (Star). He attended Rindge’s one-room schoolhouse and later Conant High School in Jaffrey. Peter also spent several teenage years in Dorchester, MA, with his mother while she provided local social work services, he attended Christopher Columbus Catholic High School.

After graduating in 1962, Peter married Margaret Julie (Peard) on August 30, 1968. They raised a family of five children. Fatherhood came naturally to Peter; he especially enjoyed the many family vacations to Disney World and York Beach, Maine. Uncle Peter loved to host the large family cookouts and Thanksgiving dinners at his home. During those years, while providing for his family, he also joined the U.S. Army Reserves, trained at Fort Devens, attended Franklin Pierce College and was a Boy Scout Pack Leader when his son, David, was a cub. Later he became a member of the American Legion Post 11 in Jaffrey. Peter loved to make new friends, and once a friend – always a friend. He had a way of making new friends feel like old friends.

Peter spent his career as Comptroller at D.D. Bean & Sons Co in Jaffrey. He retired from the company after 34-years, in 1998. Peter and Margaret then split their time between Jaffrey and Florida. They planned long road trips with their motorhome, including a memorable trip to Nova Scotia with dear friends.

Peter is survived by his wife of 52-years, Margaret (Peggy), his children Heidi Rousseau and her husband Gary, Julia Bartlett and her husband Chris, Elizabeth Kelly and her husband John (Jay), and David Rivard. He is also survived by his older sister Patricia Ferrell, his younger sister Virginia (Star) Kachadoorian, and his sister-in-law Robin Blais. Peter has 18 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters, nieces and nephews, many of whom reside in the area.

In addition to his parents, Peter is predeceased by his son Bradley Jackson (2011), his two brothers David and Kevin Rivard, and his brother-in-law John Peard Sr.

A Celebration of Peter's life will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, beginning at 12:00 Noon, at the John Humiston American Legion Hall, 20 Webster Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the John Humiston American Legion Post 11, 20 Webster Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452.