Peter V. de Moya, 79, of 47 Pine Ave, Keene, died peacefully Friday evening, September 13th , 2013 at his home following a brief final bout with cancer. His family was in attendance along with old friends from his earlier years.
Born in Ridgewood New Jersey, he was the only child of Edwin V. and Ruth Clark Smyth de Moya. He moved to Keene with his parents in 1945. He graduated from Keene High School in 1952, and from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, class of 1957. The next two years were spent in serving his country in the Unites States Army, as a Military Intelligence specialist. Following an honorable discharge in 1959, he moved to Holland, Michigan to work in purchasing at Roamer Yachts.
In 1960, he married Hilda E. Lord of Providence, Rhode Island. He attended Springfield College in 1962, in the YMCA Professional Studies program, earning the M Ed. degree in 1968. His professional career as a YMCA Director spanned jobs in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and as a Branch executive in the Greater Pittsburgh YMCA, Pennsylvania. He served on the YMCA National Committee which rewrote the Indian Guide Program book. His family returned to Keene in 1975. Later work included roles in life insurance and real estate. Working locally, he participated in the pre-construction phases for Langdon Place in Keene. Once it was up and running, he served as Activities Director working with the residents for many years.
Volunteering was a big part of his life. While in the YMCA he joined the Lions Club and began an association lasting 49 years. Lionism was very important to him with service as a Charter Club President, and numerous zone and regional positions. He served as District Governor for New Hampshire 44-N District for 2000-2001 and as Multiple District Council Chair the following year. Attending many International USA-Canada Forums, he presented seminars several times. He is the recipient of multiple Melvin Jones Fellow awards and a Granite State Fellow as well. His local club membership was with the Monadnock Lions Club in Marlborough.
Equally important was his life-long love for Camp Takodah of the Cheshire YMCA. He attended as a camper from 1945-1951, served as a cabin leader while in college and brought many fellow leaders from Hope College as well. When he returned to the area, he served on the Cheshire YMCA Board of Directors in numerous positions, and as a Senior Director. In the late 1980’s, he volunteered at the new Mini-Camp Takodah and returned there for more than 20 seasons. He was known as ‘Friar Tuck’ at the archery range and enjoyed introducing children to this sport. To his joy, he was able to complete this year’s camp season. Recently, he was honored for 40 years of service to this YMCA and received a coveted 40 year jacket. He is also the recipient of both the Harold J. Dickinson and the Martha Fisher service and program awards.
A member of the United Church of Christ in Keene, he served in many capacities as Deacon, UCC Radio Host, and on the Capital Funds Campaign drives. He went on one of the church mission trips to Washington DC. Through this association, he attended a Habitat for Humanity global build in Guatemala. He enjoyed teaching a series of classes on “Talking Baseball” at Keene State College for the CALL program, bringing his love of baseball to share with many others.
His is survived by his wife Hilda and two children, Peter W. de Moya of Plymouth, Massachusetts and Elizabeth R. LeBlanc of Charleston, South Carolina. He has two grand daughters Sarah LeBlanc and Ashley LeBlanc. Three first cousins, Glenda, Peter and Roger Arentzen, a second cousin Pat Amass and her husband, and a third cousin Bill Prentiss survive as well.
In lieu of flowers, contributions will be welcomed to the Cheshire YMCA/ Camp Takodah, 32 Lake St., North .Swanzey, NH 03431, to the UCC Keene Radio Fund or a charity of your choice. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 21 at the United Church of Christ in Keene at 1PM. There are no public visiting hours.
The Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene is assisting the family with these arrangements.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18