Published March 5, 2021
MELROSE — Peter J. Mortimer, 94, of Melrose died on February 28, 2021.
He was the loving husband of the late Claire (Farmer) Mortimer. He was the loving father of sons Peter, Paul, James and Stephen. He was the loving uncle of John Farmer. Peter was the loving grandfather to Daniel Mortimer, Kevin Mortimer, James Mortimer, Stephanie Mortimer, Allison Mortimer, Karen Mortimer and Andrea Mortimer.
Originally from East Boston, Pete lived in Melrose and Beverly. Born in 1926, was a member of the greatest generation. He fought in Germany with the U.S. Army during World War II, and among other actions, battled into Germany over the Rhine River in March of ‘45, crossing over the Ludendorf Railroad Bridge at a little town named Remagen.
He usually only spoke of happy times in the service, complaining only that he always remembered being cold during combat. Typical Bostonian, complaining about the weather. Thankfully, Pete returned from Europe to eventually marry the love of his life, Claire Farmer.
Pete eventually joined the Boston Police Department, serving admirably, maintaining the rank of Patrolman, before becoming a Boston Public School teacher. He sometimes joked that he should have stayed at the less dangerous of the two jobs – being a police officer. Pete was a special education and reading teacher and he cared deeply about the struggles of his students and worked diligently to help them.
He was a man of both humor and compassion for the human condition. He grew up poor and was proud that he made something of himself. Pete especially enjoyed having “sock” fights with his grandsons Danny and Kevin when they were youngsters. Darned up socks were launched back in forth in a home version of bombardment. The “sock” fights most often ended with uproarious laughter and snacks, of course.
Pete Mortimer will be greatly missed by friends and family.
At his advanced age, many of his friends have predeceased him. He would often of late say he was “ready to go.” Pete passed away at the Beverly Hospital. When he was home he would often look at a picture of his deceased wife Claire and discuss her in glowing terms. If he had been home when he died he likely would have looked upon her picture one more time before departing to meet with her once again.
Due to COVID-19 visitation was by invitation on Thursday, March 4, 2021 will by invitation only. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St. Melrose on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 10 a.m., followed by a burial at 1:30 p.m. at the VA National Cemetery in Bourne.
Arrangements by Gately Funeral Home, Melrose. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
