Obituary of David Michael Peritz
On Monday, July 17th, 2023, our beloved son, father, brother, partner, teacher, and friend, David Peritz, age 50, of Palmer passed away in a freak accident at his home. David was a passionate man who lived and loved simply and fully.
David leaves behind his parents, Robert and Kathleen “Pat” Peritz Sr. of Palmer, his beloved children Brandon and Morgan and their mother, Kathy Peritz, and his incredible life partner, Jen Hodgdon, who brought him 11 years of happiness, travels, and never ending adventures. Jen was his rock on the road of life. He also leaves behind his three siblings Robert Peritz Jr. (Colleen Peritz), Ivy Peritz-Smith (Terrance Smith), and Holly Leland (Aaron Leland), 6 nieces and nephews (Samantha Farquhar, Bryce Peritz, Cameron Peritz, Kylie Leland, Haley Leland, & Evan Smith) who he adored, his godmother Laurie Canterbury, the entire McCrystal and Stahelski families, and so many friends and family who loved David beyond words. We would be remiss if we did not mention David & Jen’s amazing dog, Bill, who may have spent the first 6 years of life in a lab but now explores the beach, the woods, and so many other happy places.
David was a Palmer High School Class of 1991 graduate. He went on to graduate from Umass Amherst and Westfield State University earning his teaching license. David worked the last twenty years plus as a special education teacher in the Palmer Public Schools helping countless students and families find success including through his work with the Special Olympics. David could care less about the school “paperwork”; he only cared about the needs, dreams, and confidence of the students in front of him, and the many co-workers he also called friends.
David could talk about his family forever. He truly loved being a father, and nobody was better at it. Brandon, Morgan, and Jen were his world, and he never let the world’s minutia get in the way of life. David loved music, camping, breweries, and hiking, and he actively shared these passions with his family and friends. David never waited to make adventures happen. Whether it was attending concerts, helping others, or hiking five 4000 footers in VT in just 3 days last month, David was “all in” with constant smiles and laughter. David found his peace and solitude in the woods and on the ice playing and coaching hockey. David hardly ever asked for help from anyone, but he was always first in line to help. While heartbroken, David’s family and friends take solace in knowing that he lived life his way and the right way.
In lieu of flowers, any donations can be sent to Country Bank (Palmer, MA) where an account has been set up for a future scholarship/memorial fitting of David or by visiting https://gofund.me/fa7e6a64. We also ask that you take a hike in the woods or a nice long walk in honor of David. Let’s remember how David lived…as it was amazing.
“How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St., Palmer. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 28th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Cemetery on High Street in Thorndike.
