Obituary
Judson Terence Peck
August 6, 1935 ~ July 30, 2021
On Friday, July 30, 2021, Jud passed away very peacefully at his home with his wife, Sally, and son, John, at his side.
Jud was born, the son of the late Judson Dean Peck and Dorothy Sutton Peck in Wayland, NY on August 6, 1936. His father was a New York State Trooper and his mother a school teacher. His sister, Judith was born 5 years later. In his younger years, they resided in Batavia, NY and then, East Aurora, NY.
Jud developed his love of the outdoors at a young age, spending time with his father hunting and fishing. He spent many adventures with his childhood companion, a beagle named Skipper. At the age of 17, his mother and father separated. His mother, sister and he moved to Rushville, NY, where his mother taught 5th grade at the Middlesex Valley School.
Jud left school before graduation and started working at Jim Ciacci’s garage, a Gulf station located on the site of the current Nolan’s restaurant in Canandaigua, NY. Jud met his wife of 62 years, Sally, while working at the gas station. Sally recalled that she and a girlfriend were walking by the station and stopped in. Jud and Sally started dating and enjoyed spending time together, especially going dancing at Gingham Town in Canandaigua.
Later, Jud worked as a heavy equipment operator for Frank Buholz and Kenny Batsle. He built ponds, cleared property and installed septic systems. Jud obtained his GED and, in 1957, was appointed as a New York State Game Protector, now known as an Environmental Conservation Officer. Jud moved to Branchport and was responsible for patrolling the western half of Yates County.
He and Sally had one child, John. John and his father fished and trapped together, and Jud would often take his son with him on patrol in the State car, leading John to carry on in the field of law enforcement. Jud was a conscientious protector of our State’s fish, wildlife and natural resources. He worked closely with law enforcement agencies throughout western New York. He devoted 34 years of his life to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and retired at the rank of Lieutenant.
Jud excelled at shooting sports. While with the DEC, he and good friend Trooper (Ret) Doug Vittum engaged in competitive handgun events throughout the state, including the New York State Police Olympics. Jud operated a small gun shop out of his home and, over time, developed a vast knowledge of firearms. He was an accomplished skeet shooter, obtaining several 100-straight honors. He was a firearms instructor with the DEC and continued after retirement, assisting local high school trap teams. He developed and hosted a 10 station, 22 caliber fun shoot at the farm, which will be continued in his memory.
Jud and Sally owned and boarded horses, and traveled the East Coat competing in rodeo events. They hosted these events at their farm in Guyanoga Valley. Jud calf roped and Sally barrel raced. They also team roped together. Jud also judged at the rodeos.
Jud operated a small farm, growing vegetables that the family sold at their roadside stand. He was known throughout the region for his sweet corn, and delivered to several other businesses in the area. In addition to growing vegetables, Jud also raised beef cattle, and grew and sold hay. He was responsible for initiating the hay auction at the Windmill in Penn Yan, and served as the auctioneer.
Jud travelled to Canada often to guide canoe trips on the Petawawa River. Twice his son, John, grandson, Matthew and God son, Shane Gurney, accompanied him on the trips. Upon retirement, Jud and Sally packed up their two dogs and set off to see the country in their pickup camper, travelling to Wyoming and back.
Jud was an avid golfer throughout his life, shooting a hole-in-one on one occasion. More recently, Jud and Sally would spend winters in Florida, where he enjoyed shooting clays with his friends and former colleagues from New York, playing golf, cards and learning to play shuffle board.
In an effort to preserve wildlife habitat, Jud entered into an agreement with the USDA and placed a portion of their farm into a “Forever Wild” program. Working with biologists and engineers, wetlands were developed into excellent waterfowl habitat.
Jud lived his life to the fullest and stated many times that he felt fortunate to have met so man people, have so many friends and accomplish all he did throughout his life. “I have no regrets”, he would often say. He is now free of burdens and walking with his beagle, Skipper, and Labradors, Cindy, Goldie, Tessa and Shiloh, in the meadows of Heaven.
Jud was a member of the Branchport Rod and Gun Club, Canandaigua Sportsmen’s Club, National Rifle Association, Fraternal Order of Police and Baron-Steuben Association of Former NYS Troopers.
The Peck family would like to thank the staff at UR Thompson Hospital- Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and 3rd Floor East for the exceptional care and compassion showed to Jud while there; and the staff from Ontario-Yates Hospice for their compassion and dedication in helping to keep him comfortable at home during his final days. You are all Angels.
Jud is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sally; his son, John (Julie) Peck of Gorham, NY; sister, Judith (Charles) Huebner of Ft. Myers, FL; grandchildren, Matthew Peck of Arlington, VA and Melissa Peck of Canandaigua, NY; and God son, Shane Gurney of Bloomfield, NY.
Jud was predeceased by his father, Judson D. Peck and his mother, Dorothy S. Peck.
At Jud’s request, there will be no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at the Peck family farm, Wildlife Acres, 2623 Guyanoga Rd., Penn Yan, NY, on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ontario-Yates Hospice, 756 Pre-Emption Rd., Geneva, NY 14456.