Russell Donald Peck

Russell Donald Peck

Altamont – Russell Donald Peck, 84, of Altamont, N.Y. was greeted by the Lord on December 10, 2021. Russ was born in Warnerville, N.Y. on May 19, 1937 and was the only son of Agnes (Karker) and Donald Peck. Russ was raised in Altamont and on weekends would travel to Richmondville, N.Y. via the D & H Railroad to work on the family farm. This is where he learned to work and appreciate Mother Nature. He attended the old Altamont High School and was recruited by Harry Grogan to attend Milne High School in Albany, N.Y. to compete in baseball and basketball. Here is where he excelled as an athlete.

Russ and another Albany native, Ray Donnelly, were chosen by the Times Union to represent the Capital Region as members of the U.S. Allstar Team at the 10th annual Hearst National Allstar Sandlot Classic at New York City’s Polo Grounds in 1955. Russ went on to attend Ithaca College for a year to play baseball and went on to sign a professional contract with the Major League Baseball team Cleveland Indians in 1958.

In the summer of 1956, a romance began at Warner’s Lake in East Berne, N.Y. where he met his future wife, Irene Fay, to whom he was married to for 61 years. Russ and Irene enjoyed many trips to Maui, out west, Florida and multiple fishing trips. In 1985 they purchased a wooded piece of land and eventually built their dream home. It became their “slice of Heaven.”

In 1960, Russ enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and was stationed out of Schenectady, N.Y. Released from duty in 1966 he rejoined the family business with his father as an interior/exterior residential painter and paper hanger. After his dad retired, his youngest son Greg, joined Russ to become the third generational painter. Russ thoroughly loved his job. He always said he loved the satisfaction each job gave him.

Russ was an active volunteer firefighter and EMT with Altamont Fire Department for 22 years. Again, Russ thoroughly loved doing this with his oldest son, Lance. Russ was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in which he held many different positions, mostly chairman of the property committee and church council. He also attended the men’s bible group weekly, led by the late Dr. Joel Edwards. He also was involved in the Orchard Creek and French’s Hollow Golf Leagues and played softball for Altamont Fire Department and church league.

Russ thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors through many hunting and fishing trips, especially to Canada with friends and family. As he went thru life, he treasured the many memories of all his business customers he worked for as well as family and friends who he led on the Annual Peck Quebec Fishing Trips. Russ enjoyed the many times he spent with his grandchildren and numerous activities and events. Each one brought so much joy to his life and was a proud Papa. Russ cherished all who touched his life and has left his legacy of love to family and friends.

Russell’s family would like to thank Hospice nurses Danielle and Melissa, Susan from Landmark Care and Justina, as well as VA services for the wonderful care and compassion provided to Russ and his family.