Published September 27, 2019

MELROSE — Peter Thomas Snow, 52, longtime Melrose resident, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. 

Born on March 8, 1967 in Boston, Peter is one of three children of Thomas and the late Dorothy (Hopkins) Snow.

Peter grew up in Melrose, attending the Roosevelt School and graduating from Melrose High School in 1985. Recently, he was happy that he was able to reconnect with some of his classmates from the old days. His first stop after high school was UNH, where more lifelong friendships began. He received his bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Peter went on to have a career managing computer databases as a business analyst and was known as the “IT guy” in the family.

Summer camp on Bear Island on Lake Winnipesaukee was Peter’s biggest passion. He spent 19 summers at Camp Lawrence, starting as a camper at age 8, and continuing through his life, as a counselor, program director, and transportation director. As transportation director, he was responsible for piloting the MV Bear II, a 50 foot launch which was the fourth largest vessel on Lake Winnipesaukee, taking campers out to Camp Lawrence and Camp Nokomis. “Snowy,” as he was lovingly known at the camps, remained closely involved through the years, writing software that made scheduling camp activities dramatically easier and serving as a member and then chairman of the camping services board. In recognition for his support of the camps, he was inducted into the Camp Lawrence Hall of Fame in 2009.

While the beauty of the setting and the impact he was able to make on kids’ lives were a big part of Peter’s love for the camps, it was the friendships he made there that really drove his passion for these places. The bonds he made through camp were some of the greatest joys and blessings in his life.

A gifted photographer, Peter was known for his landscape photos and especially panoramas. His panoramic shot of the Patriot’s “Snow Bowl” victory field goal against the Raiders was sold in the Patriot’s gift shop at Gillette. Other favorite targets for his camera included the camps, Boston, Yosemite, sunrises, and lots of homes and landscapes for people who wanted a “Snowy picture.”

Famous for his mix tapes and then for a huge collection of CD’s, Peter had a love of music and enjoyed sharing that love with his friends, especially when it involved a Who concert. He also loved to travel, with his favorite destinations being Patriot Super Bowls and visits to family in San Francisco and Cleveland. Thailand and Barbados were also special to him, especially since he shared these adventures with his camp family.

Sharing a lighter side of life with kids, “Uncle Peter” to his family and “Uncle Snowy” to his extended family could always be counted on to bring something fun to any gathering. Whether it was a bubble machine, a flying shark, inflatable guitars, or an outrageous wig, the kids were drawn to him and his love of all things silly. They also loved it when they got to cruise around in his convertible with him as he cranked “They Might be Giants.”

Peter is the beloved son of Thomas Snow and the late Dorothy (Hopkins) Snow. Dear brother of Sara Snow of Ohio, and David Snow and his wife Velvet of California. Loving uncle of Lisa Rome and her husband David Macek, David Rome and his wife Clare, Annika Snow, Amelia Snow, and granduncle of Leah Rome Macek.

A private gathering to celebrate Peter’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Peter’s memory may be made to the Merrimack Valley YMCA Camps at https://camp.mvymca.org/give/.

For online tribute: RobinsonFuneralHome.com