Peter J. Saleski

NEW IPSWICH - Peter J. Saleski, 86, of Main St., died February 3, 2008 at the Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough after a period of failing health.Born in Meriden, Connecticut, he was the son of Frank Josephine Zaleski. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and employee of General Motors. In 1959, he married JoAnna Sargent. The couple lived in Connecticut, Florida, and Maine before settling in southern New Hampshire in the mid-1980's.Peter and JoAnna moved in with son Mark and his wife Linda (of Merrimack) in 2000. The newly-formed extended family moved to New Ipswich in 2004.Throughout his life, Peter was known for his kindness and generosity towards others. His hobbies included taking day trips to the coast, playing cards, watching old movies, woodworking, oil painting, and cross-stitch.Peter is survived by his son Mark and his wife Linda of New Ipswich; sister Vera Norie of Meriden, CT; sister Teresa Fernandez of Prospect, CT; nieces Clair and Barbara Masse of Wethersfield, CT; niece Dolores Mazza of Meriden, CT; niece Vivian Mahoney of Ocala, FL; granddaughter Melyssa Montgomery of Bushkill, PA whose mother, Peter's daughter Lynn Montgomery, passed away earlier this year; Melyssa's fiance Carl, also of Bushkill, PA; great-grandsons Eric Jr. and Jacob Nicolai of Elyria, OH whose father, Peter's grandson Eric Nicolai, passed away in 2003; grandson Peter Slusarz of New Boston; grandson John Slusarz and his fiance Kelsey of Brookline, MA; many other nieces and nephews; and Rafiki, the world's best cocker spaniel.

Memorial donations may be made to either Good Shepherd Nursing Home, 20 Plantation Dr., Jaffrey, NH 03452; or the Antrim Girls Shelter, P.O. Box 531, Antrim, NH 03440.

At Peter's request, there will be no calling hours or formal funeral services at this time. However, the family will host the First Annual Peter JoAnna Saleski BBQ and Appreciation Social at their home at a later date shortly beyond mud season.