Ann,

I never met you, but I knew and loved Peter, as you only can care about someone with whom you shared your youth.  Pete always kept up and we made a point of talking at least once a year.  I didn't hear from him this year and thought it odd.

My heart is with you for your loss.  I will miss that guy for the remainder of my days.

Steve Mueller, Portland, Oregon

Dear Ann,

We are so sorry to learn of Peter's passing.  I did so enjoy our friendship and will miss his great personality.  I have such good memories of talking with him at all the exhibits.  Janet and I are retired - living on Cape Cod.  Our prayers are with you.

Love,
George and Janet Lascher

During the mid 80's, I worked at Random House with Peter.  His smile was the first thing you always saw.  Peter's outlook on the company and life was always positive.  My sincere sympathy to the family.

Bonnie H Williams,
Tarrytown, NY

I worked with Peter at Random House School Division nearly 30 years ago and when I think about those years,Peter is always the first to come to mind. He was caring, professional, and always positive.  The glass was always half full with Peter.  My prayers are with the family.

I was surprised and saddened by Peter's passing. We worked together at Random House School Divison in the 80's. I will always remember  Peter with his great smile and cheerful attitude, he was always fun to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Ann, I was saddened and surprised to hear of Peter's passing. We worked together at the old Charles E. Merrill Company and also served on the ESANE Executive Board together. We managed to keep in touch over the years and I always enjoyed "catching up" with Peter. He will be missed by all. My prayers and condolences to you and your family.  Ken Woods

Ann

I was saddened by the news of Peter's passing. I received the news this morning here in Florida thru ESANE. I have had a chance to let Ed Migdal and John Benedict know of Peter's death. We all were of one mind that Peter was one of us from the very start of our publishing careers in Connecticut.

The stories of all the adoptions won and lossed will remain a memory for
all of us who knew Peter. He was the true professional, he played by the rules and was the first to offer congratulations. We will all miss Peter very much and
I can only offer my very heart felt condolences on his passing. 

Ann may you find comfort in the fact that Peter was loved and respected by all of his peers.

Love

Abel Soares

Dear Duhamel Family... We are so saddened by the news about our friend and your loved one, Peter.  He always made us feel like we were part of a bigger family.  We will miss him.  God bless you as you think about all the wonderful memories you have of him.  Sarah Krause (previously with Grolier/Scholastic)

Anne & Family,

  I was saddened to hear about Peter's sudden and unexpected death. I have many good memories of our years working together at TASA and have always appreciated the publishing industry knowledge that he so naturally imparted in our everyday interactions. 

  I'll never forget his sweet thoughtfulness in bringing back a set of Russian nesting dolls for my young daughter from his travels in 2002 -- she was delighted! For me, this exerpt from an email that Peter sent from Moscow captures his smiling voice and infectious 'joie de vivre': 
   How you doin!  This has been a great trip.  We went to St Petersburg for the weekend and that is really a wonderful place.  My limited Russian has not been a problem in getting around, they seem to all understand VODKA (works for me)...  

  Peter had a true gift for living a good life and sharing his enthusiasm with others, leaving so many of us with fond memories and feeling glad to have known him. I hope that knowledge will bring you some comfort in the sad days ahead. My sincere condolences on your loss, and kind wishes that your memories of having been part of Peter's life will sustain you always.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Peter's passing and I shall send a 
donation to the blind organization you listed. Peter was a fine bookman and 
we'll miss his company.
Joe and Marijane Davock, Parsonsfield, Me

Dear Ann,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. As a fellow soccer player at Plant and as a member of the golf team at Hall we shared many a laugh together.
I am truly sorry for your loss.
John Gilligan, III

We at Brooks Brothers, Clinton, Ct are grieving the loss of our friend Peter. I will miss his snowbird return to Connecticut.  It was the highlight of the spring season to anticipate Peter walking in the door with his warm, engaging smile ready with a thoughtful, humorous greeting.  The day was brighter and full of possibilities with his presence there. All his colleagues miss him.  I am so glad to have known such a wonderful man.  My thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.            
Katy Magown, Essex, CT

Ann,

I recently had an email exchange with Peter in which he was characteristically upbeat and encouraging. He gave me my first position in the educational publishing world and helped me to be successful. I will always be thankful to him for giving me a chance. 
I hope you are able to take some comfort knowing that he was a beloved figure in the educational publishing world and hearing all the heartwarming stories about him. 

Jonah

Jonah Glick

From kindergarten through high school graduation, memories of Peter always bring to mind his beaming smile.

Pete was a close high school friend.  We lost contact during the crazy 60's but by his easy smile in all the photos it looks he never lost his zest for life.  He was always a great example of how to be.  Prayers are with you!
Bob Kammann

Ann- '63 loses another gem.  I saw him several times at the Boca Resort.  His booming voice led me to where he was standing and smiling.  I yelled "Du", he screamed "Tush" and we hugged like we were the best of friends through out our lives.  Him I'll miss!!

The recent photos of Pete (or Petey-Du, as he was sometimes known) make clear that he remained the upbeat, funny,great-guy-to-be-around that I knew but haven't seen since high school. May his soul rest in peace and his family find solace in their memories of all he meant to so many. Al Roberts

I grew up with Peter across the street.  I went to school with him, Smith, Plant, 
and go out rsye Hall HS.  He was fun to be with and enjoyed his company.  Our prayers go out to his family.

Ann - I know that the Class of '63 is devastated.  Peter was an integral part of the class.  I personally feel fortunate to have been with him in the past year when a small group of us met for drinks.  We just never know what is coming down the road.  I cannot tell you how much he will be missed....always that wonderful smile and always kind words for everyone.  What a special guy!

Peter,
my life-long friend and golfing buddy, and the one who helped me get started in my writing novels ... one of the truly "good guys" who I will never forget.
So many memories that I have and cherish,
Roy Johnson

Dear Ann and Family,
We have never met, but I have been a friend of Peter's sister Beverly since kindergarten and remember him fondly as a warm, delightful, friendly, kind "little brother".  As I read through the other entries, it was not surprising to learn that he journeyed on through the years as a much admired and respected man.  The entire Duhamel family extended such kindness to me as a child. With prayers for your strength, peace, and comfort.
Warmly,
Elaine Ludwig

ANN, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT PETER.I WISH WE COULD HAVE BEEN THERE FOR YOU. HE WAS A WONDERFULL MAN. ALWAYS HAD A SMILE FOR EVERYONE. WE REALLY ENJOYED HIS SENSE OF HUMOR AND HE ALWAYS WAS A KIND AND THOUGHTFULL MAN. I REALLY ENJOYED HIM AS A BROTHER IN-LAW AND FRIEND. PLEASE KNOW THAT I AM ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU.                       LOVE STEVE AND BARBARA FERRARI

Dear Ann and Family,
Peter was a gentlemen's gentlemen.  He always encouraged others and we have had the highest regard for his professionalism.  Peter was "head and shoulders" above everyone in publishing.  We will truly miss him.
Warmes regards,
Charlie,Keith,Evan & Marc Eisenberger

A friend in need is a friend indeed.  Good bye, my good friend.  I'll miss you.  Rest in peace.

Dear Ann,
We have never met but I am a former colleague of Peter's from McGraw-Hill in the 1980's - part of the 7 am breakfast club.  I am so saddened to hear of Peter's passing.  
He was a wonderful person - kind and generous with a terrific spirit.
My sincere sympathy and prayers are with you and Christopher.

Dear Anne,

Peter was a wonderful man with a unique ability to make others feel good. His genuine character made working with him a real pleasure.  During the summers we worked together, we shared memorable stories and humor.  His ever present smile and kind words were a gift to those around him. I am most grateful to have known Peter and will truly miss him.
My deepest sympathy to you and Chris,

Ann - Dick and I are can't believe it.  He always had a smile on his face and a glint in his eyes.  I will never forget when you first met Peter and started dating.  You found him later in life but you found a good one.  You both enjoyed doing things with each other and having a good time.  We  remember all the special times we spent together over the years and will miss him. Love to you, Margaret & Dick

Dear Ana,

We were so saddened to hear of Peter's death.  He was such a friendly, outgoing person.  A real people person.  He will be sorely missed by his many friends.  Our thoughts are with you.

Anne and Family, I am surprised and saddened to hear of Peter's death. I will never forget the years that Peter and I worked together and our many trips to state capitols. Peter was a great guy and his easy smile, his sense of humor, and his basic decency will be missed. With my condolences and hopes that the sadness of your loss will pass and you will be left with fond memories and gratitude for having been part of Peter's life.

Ann, I am saddened to hear of Peter's passing. He was a wonderful boss and mentor. I will never forget the smile he always wore and the way he treated others. My heart goes out to you.

Anne and Chris my deepest condolences to you both.  Peter was an amazing man and a good friend and I learned the publishing business from Peter and will always be thankful for everything he ever did.  We spoke a few weeks ago and I will keep that conversation close to me for ever.  God Bless!

Dear Ann and family,

We are shocked and saddened to hear about Peter. He was a true gentleman, a great business man and a trusted friend. He will be missed greatly. Again, our deepest condolences.

Jeff Kent, Richard Hawran and everyone at Phoenix Learning

Peter was a good man and a great guy who had a very positve impact through his work in educational publishing, the way he treated other people, and the spirit with which he lived his life.

Anne, Our heartfelt sympathy and love to you. We are sincerely sorry for your loss, Peter was such a kind and friendly person and we know you will missed him so much! We will get with you later and hope your love and special memories will comfort you. Sincerely, Janice & Ted

Ann & Chris,  We are so saddened by Peter’s passing.  We will forever miss his laughter, sense of humor and his “Duhamelisms”.  Our lives have been enhanced by having known him.  He was such a good man, husband, father  and friend.  I will never see, eat or say “Mac & Cheese” again and not think of him.  May God grant you both the strength to help you get through this difficult time.  We will be there for you whether it be something at the house, someone to laugh with or someone to cry with.  

Love Doreen & Phil

Chris, We are so saddened to hear about your Dad. He was a great friend and a wonderful person. We will miss him dearly. Please stay in touch.
Love, Uncle Steve & Deborah

Anne, Our thought and prayers are with you. Peter was a dear friend. We will miss him so much. He always had kind word's for all and was truly a good friend, not to mention the guy that introduced us.
With all our love,
Steve & Deborah

Ann, I am so sorry about Peter. It was such a shock. He was always so friendly whenever I saw him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Leslie Gordon

Dear Ann & Chris,

Peter was the sort of person that you never forget because of his sincere warmth and genuine interest in the well being of everyone around him. His encouragement to me, professionally and personally, gave me opportunities from my days at Modern Learning Press that I never thought possible. I will never forget it; and only hope that I can pay it forward to others.

I will keep you both in my prayers for healing during this difficult process. May the wonderful memories you have of Peter warm your hearts. He will be missed!

May God Bless you with peace and strength.

Warmest Regards,
Lori Hill

Ann, We were so sorry and shocked to hear about Peter. We just couldn't believe it. We will remember him as  fun loving, happy,  and young at heart. He did'nt miss an opportunity to crack a joke, or make somone laugh or smile. . We will miss Peter very much.  " Bucky" and " Bacon, Bacon, Bacon" will always be fond memories of Peter for us. With our thoughts and prayers... your friends Mike and Judy Rescigno

Dear Ann, We are so sad for you,  You are certainly in our thoughts and prayers .  Peter was such a friendly and outgoing person always smiling and a pleasure to be with. We will certainly miss him. 
Alan & Dale

Dearest Ann,
Dennis and I will miss Peter so very much. He was a man to admire, love and laugh with. He had the warmest quality about him. He could always laugh at himself and was always kind to others. When we were with him we knew we would always have a great time. 
We are priviledged to have known him. We know how much he loved you and Christopher--he made it plain how proud he was of both of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. Please take comfort in the many friends that you have and lean on them at this difficult time.
We will remember the special dinner we had with you both in CT this summer. That is how I will remember him--loving the company of his wife and friends.
All our love, Tracy and Dennis

Ann & Chris,

Peter was one of our newest and most cherished friendships - a charter member of our Solivita "family".  His great sense of humor and intellectual mind will be missed but not forgotten.

Love, Roger & MJ Raser

Dear Ann & Chris,  We are so sorry about the loss of Uncle Pete.  We will miss him so very much. We all have so many fun and happy memories of Uncle Pete which we will share and keep close to our hearts. We are thinking of you both at this sad and difficult time. 
With Love,
Debbie & Paul

Dear Ann, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.We will miss Peter's laughter,wonderful sense of humor, his kindness and thoughtfulness to all.
Love,
Bob and Karen

Ann & Chris - Peter was a terrific guy who always had a smile on his face - we will sincerely miss his friendship.  Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time.

Ann...  Our hearts are heavy.  We will so miss the Peter who wore the orange pumpkin shirt and striped kneesox for Halloween golf.  The Peter who presented the very special jack-o-lantern golf ball for the Snowbirds traveling gift.  The Peter who had a smile for everyone and the first to offer help to anyone.  No one will fill his shoes.  Our sympathy and love to you and Chris.
Jim and Marilyn

Ann and Chris, we were so saddened by the passing of Uncle Pete.  He will certainly be missed.  I was blessed to have Peter as my godfather.  We enjoyed all of the family holidays and gatherings spent together.  He always made them entertaining.  Love, Rebecca and Keith

Dear Ann and Chris,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Peter's warm smile and his zest for life will be sadly missed by his many friends at Solivita...Love, Jan and Lee Stinson

The staff at Grissom Funeral Home and Crematory

Ann,
Please accept our most heartfelt condolences.  We loved Peter and will always remember his great sense of humor.  Carl will miss their chats about
the books they shared reading..
Love,
Marion and Carl

OBITUARY

Peter A. Duhamel

February 25, 1945 – January 4, 2011

Grissom Funeral Home and Crematory

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