Longtime Firefighter, William Cushing Peck, Dies at 94

William Cushing Peck, age 94, a longtime East Brunswick firefighter and a charter member of Aldersgate Methodist Church, died Wednesday, April 25, at the New Jersey Fireman's Home in Boonton, where he had lived since July 2009.

Mr. Peck was born on June 1, 1917 in New London, Conn., to the late Gladys J. and Howard B. Peck. He graduated from the former Chapman Technical High School in 1934 and from Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts in 1941. In 1942, he married E. Jean Marsters, who  died in 2002.

During High School, Mr. Peck joined the New London chapter of the Order of DeMolay. He rose through the various chairs including Master Councilor. In 1938, he was awarded the Chevalier Degree, the first member of the chapter to receive this degree.

After graduation from High School, Mr. Peck worked for the Botany Department at Connecticut College in New London where he was instrumental in the early development of the Connecticut Arboretum.

When he was 18, Mr. Peck joined the New London Volunteer Fire Department. He was elected foreman of the Konomoc Ladder Company No. 2, was a past president of the New London Volunteer Firemen's Association, an honorary life member of the New London County Fire Chief's Association, and a life member of the Konomoc Ladder Company.

In 1942, Mr. Peck was drafted into the Army Air Corps. He graduated from Photo School at Lowrey Field in Denver and was assigned to the 390th B-17 Bomb Group stationed in Framlingham, England. He attained the rank of Tech Sergeant and was chief of the photography section of the Air Base. During his service, he attained sharpshooter qualification and received the Good Conduct Medal, the European Theatre Campaign Medal with 7 battle stars, and the Presidential Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster.

After leaving Connecticut College in 1952, Mr. Peck and his family moved to East Brunswick upon accepting a position with the National Board of Fire Underwriters in New York City. After 30 years of service, he retired in 1982 as the Staff Supervisor of Public Protection for the Middle Atlantic Region of the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

Mr. Peck joined the in November 1952. He was a Life Member and over the years served as Chief, President, Trustee, and Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, District 2, for 23 years. He was a part-time fire inspector for East Brunswick Township for 25 years. In 2003, in recognition of his 50 years of fire service, the Township Council established the William C. Peck Firefighter of the Year Award.

Mr. Peck was an active member of the Connecticut Firemen's Historical Society. In 2011, he served as President of the Residents' Council at the New Jersey Firemen's Home.

Mr. Peck was a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in East Brunswick having served in a number of positions, including Chairman of the Administrative Board.

He is survived by his daughters, Carol P. Soule (William) of Murrysville, Pa., and Lynn P. Nemetz (Richard) of Leesburg, Va.; grandsons, Darren MacIntosh (Christine) and Jeffrey MacIntosh (Rachel); a granddaughter, Joanne N. Pitman (Glen); great-grandsons, Brandon and Christian MacIntosh, Joseph MacIntosh, and Gregory Pitman; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

His sister, Laura Peck Fitch, died in 2008.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 30, at 10 a.m. in the , 454 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, followed by an 11 a.m. Celebration of Bill's Life at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 565 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. For directions please visit www.brunswickmemorialhome.com.

A private burial will be at Comstock Cemetery in Montville, Conn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crisis Room at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

—This obituary originally appeared at the Brunswick Memorial Home's website.