Obituary of Peter Humphry

Peter Humphry 79, of Atco, NJ, died on December 7 from complications of lymphoma. Despite the six-year illness, he was vibrant until several days before he died. Born at home in Harrison, NY, he was the son of the late James and Elizabeth Ames Humphry. After joining the Army Air Corps in 1945 and serving in Europe, he proudly used the GI Bill to earn a B.S. in Economics in 1950 from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. While a student, he met his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Ann Burrer Humphry, who preceded him in death by 100 days. After living in Western Massachusetts for some years, the couple moved to Rockville, CT, where they raised their four daughters. There, Peter was active in local politics while he was an independent manufacturer's representative, and he also ran a thriving real estate business with his wife. In 1977, Peter and Ann moved to Sarasota, FL, where he built their house himself, and then enthusiastically taught a real estate brokers' course while the couple ran a busy real estate investment business together. Peter and Ann traveled widely, visiting Israel, China, Egypt, Thailand, Russia and many European and Central American countries. Peter was an expert woodworker and loved the rolling hills of New England, especially the 350-acre farm he and Ann owned in New Hampshire when their girls were small. He was a true entrepreneur, always willing to entertain a novel business idea, and he most often came out ahead. Peter was a rich man in the truest sense of the word, basking in the love of his devoted family. He is survived by his brother, James (Priscilla) Humphry of Bethlehem, PA; his sister, Priscilla Brekus, also of Bethlehem; and many nieces and nephews. His happiest times were with his family. His four daughters were his pride and joy, and he was their hero: Catherine (Stephen) Avery of Annapolis, MD; Sara (Peter) Lanciano of Milford, MA; Melinda (William) Becker of Washington, DC; and Priscilla (Robert) Hagerty of Moorestown, NJ. He is also survived by eight much-loved grandchildren: Matthew Grim of Los Angeles, CA; Luke, Gabriel and Samuel Lanciano of Milford, MA; Nora and Maxwell Becker of Washington, DC; and Jack and Dylan Hagerty of Moorestown, NJ. A memorial service is planned for 4 pm on Sunday, Dec. 11 at The Fountains of Cedar Parke in Atco, NJ. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you pray for peace. Memorial donations in his honor may be directed to Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709-3498 or at http://www.habitat.org/donation/gfth/default.aspx.