Kenneth L. Peck Jr., 81

LACONIA — It is with sad hearts that we announce that Kenneth L. Peck Jr., 81, of Valley Street, passed away on May 8, 2025, at home after a courageous battle with chronic heart disease and cancer.

He was born on Aug. 19, 1943, in Norwalk, Connecticut, the son of the late Kenneth Peck Sr. and Mary (Jones) Sonntag, the wife of William Sontagg, who was Dad to Ken.

Ken was a truck driver for 32 years, a handyman at the 1848 Inn for 17 years, captain and general manager at Northeast Security Agency for over 20 years, and a school bus driver for First Student for five years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, his beloved pets Oreo and Deja, camping, boating and motorcycles.

Ken is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Verna (Purdey) Peck; his son and best friend, Kenneth Peck III; daughters Leeann White, Christi Donovan, Christine Muhlfield and Tamera Beesley; 25 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his sister, Linda Mead.

He is predeceased by his parents, Kenneth Peck Sr., Mary Sontagg and William Sontagg; brother-in-law Thomas Mead Sr.; nephew Thomas Mead Jr.; and great-granddaughter Erika Ann Raymond.

Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 24, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St.

Ken will be laid to rest at Bayside Cemetery, 1345 Union Ave.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.