David A Peter

David A Peter (Dave), of Boylston, New York passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and
friends on Saturday December 17, 2022. He was born May 4, 1959 in Watertown, NY to Frederick and
Virginia (Chrisman) Peter. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Jane Hunter, on October 6, 1979.
David grew up and was a lifelong resident of Boylston. He was a strong patriarch of his family, a good
friend to all, and a man who would give his shirt to someone in need.
From an early age, Dave developed an outstanding work ethic, beginning with his experiences on his
grandparents’ farm. At the age of 14, he was approached by a man passing by who saw him raking leaves
and when asked if he wanted a real paying job, he jumped at the chance. After gaining permission from
his mother, he began working with Jack Barber and three other masons, as a mason tender, throughout
his high school years.
Upon graduation from Sandy Creek Central School in 1977, Dave worked for various construction
companies as a union laborer and then a union mason. In 1987, Dave started his own masonry business
with Rob Newcomb of Pulaski. Peter and Newcomb Masonry and Concrete was jointly operated until
1998, doing business across Central New York. David then went on to run his own successful business
until his retirement, creating beautiful masterpieces strong enough to last a lifetime. Dave held himself
to high standards and demanded perfection. His positive reputation preceded him, and advertisement
for his work was never necessary. He valued the strong relationships he established with his customers,
business partners and other contractors, but most importantly he valued the dedication his employees
offered to the hard work the job required. Dave served as a mentor to many employees, instilling the
fundamental values necessary for success. These relationships extended beyond one job and turned into
life-long friendships.
In 1989, David established Ballou Valley Trophy Whitetails, a hobby he came to love for over 20 years.
Ballou Valley provided the experience of a lifetime to individuals of all ages and those with different
abilities in fulfilling their desire to be one with nature.
David’s health forced his retirement in 2017 and truly launched his second career and true passion as a
farmer, where he served as the commander to the many volunteers, who willingly helped Dave carry out
his dream. With everyone’s support, Dave created a beautiful sanctuary for all wildlife to roam free
through his strategic food plots and apple orchards. He continuously educated himself on the theory of
the whitetail deer and would share his vast knowledge with anyone who would listen.
David was a great father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide
them. He was a loving husband, son, grandfather, uncle, great uncle and surrogate dad to many. David
had a passion for coaching and could see the talent in everyone. He could be located and heard on the
sidelines of every sporting event that his kids, and then grandkids participated in, offering advice and
honest feedback.
In his spare time, David carried out his passion for hunting, not only locally, but traveling to various states
as well as Canada. Dave and his wife Jane met many wonderful people on their various journeys and truly
enjoyed all aspects of their adventures. Dave was happiest watching those he hunted with harvest their
dream animal, as he guided their every move for the best opportunity.

David was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed four wheeling, snowmobiling, archery and trapping. He
especially loved the annual Peter Family camping trip every Labor Day weekend at the Beach Creek
Hunting Club in Boylston, where he was a lifetime member.
David is survived by his loving and caring wife, Jane of 43 years, his devoted children, Joshua (Christine)
Peter of Lacona and Tricia (Jason) Peter Clark of Mexico, and his five grandchildren Angel (David), Ethan,
Abbygail, Gabriella and Isabel. His parents Frederick and Virginia, his mother-in-law, Ella Hunter and four
siblings, Ann (Larry) Robbins, Fred (Mindy), Ken (Jeanne), Ernie (Yvette), many nieces and nephews and
lifelong friends. David is predeceased by his father-in-law, Gerald Hunter.
As Pericles stated, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in monuments, but what is woven into
the lives of other.” David was a strong, proud and great man. He is loved and will be missed by so many!
Services for David will be held on Friday, December 30th at United Wesleyan located at 6224 North Main
Street in Sandy Creek New York. Calling hours will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m., with the funeral immediately
following. To celebrate Dave’s life, the family is asking for family and friends to plant a tree in his honor
at a location of one’s choice.
Donations can be made in Dave’s memory to a local organization of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David A Peter, please visit our floral store.