Peter "Pete" Atherton

Peter “Pete” Atherton passed away on March 10th, 2024 at the age of 75 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones at his home on Plum Island - Newbury, MA. He was born on August 28th, 1948 in Boston, MA to John and Helen (Kuechle) Atherton. He had a vibrant upbringing on Ring’s Island with his brother Stephen (wife Jill) and sister Susan (husband Wayne Tatro).

Pete was a decorated Vietnam Veteran serving his country at the age of 19 as part of the United States Army. He earned a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/three Bronze Service Stars, and a Bronze Star Medal for his courage in combat. Pete later went on to help countless veterans receive care and services which gave him great pride and happiness.  But Pete’s real passion was being on the water as he spent decades as a beloved commercial and tuna fisherman.  He built a name in the area for being one who always greeted you with a warm welcome and often some words of wisdom, “Off like a herd of turtles” was one of his favorites. He also had a great love for dogs.

Pete is survived by his beautiful wife Karen (Jancewicz) and his mother-in-law Mabel Jancewicz and predeceased father-in-law Edward Jancewicz. He was a proud father to two sons Adam Atherton and partner Katelyn Ferguson and Neil Allen and partner Piper Olf and two daughters Christina (Allen) Heywood and her husband John and Amanda (Atherton) Schmidt and her husband Luke. Pete also enjoyed the company of his grandchildren Savannah and Alexa Heywood, Fischer Allen and Aengus Atherton. He is also beloved by numerous sisters and brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews and so many great friends both within the fishing community as well as outside.  In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his first wife Betty (Abbott) Atherton.

Calling hours are on Thursday, March 14th, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. His Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 15th, 2024 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 42 Green Street, Newburyport, MA. A private ceremony at sea will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Fisher House Foundation 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy, Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852 · (888) 294-8560 or online at https://fisherhouseboston.org/ or Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 - (718) 987-1931 or online at https://t2t.org/

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