Arthur E. Peck

WINSTED â€” Arthur E. Peck, 93, died Oct. 17, 2009, at Valerie Manor in Torrington. He was the loving husband of Edith (Blood) Peck for 56 years and they renewed their wedding vows on Valentine’s Day this year.

Born Sept. 3, 1916, in Clarenden, Vt., he was the son of the late Irene (Greenwood) and Ralph Peck.

He served in the United States Navy. He began his culinary career as a pastry chef. In1954, he moved to Winsted to work at the Highland Arms Restaurant. He worked at various restaurants in the area, including as part owner of the Winsted Diner until 1961, when he and Edith opened the Laurel Delicatessen, which they operated until their retirement in 1984.

He continues to be remembered for his wonderful catering services, potato salad and generous hot oven grinders with special tomato sauce. For many years, various residents relied on Art at Thanksgiving when he would prepare their entire dinner (soup to nuts) as part of his catering services.

He was an honorary member of Winsted Fire Department, Engine 4. Although never an actual firefighter, during his years at the deli, Art volunteered his time and support and donated food and beverages to the fire department. He was also a longtime member of the Redman’s Home, where he played cards, put on clambakes and spent time with friends. He loved to create and cook new recipes and share with all.

He passionately loved his family. He loved to go fishing with his children, including his son-in-law, Teddy. He was also a wonderful gardener and loved to decorate at Christmas. He won many trophies over the years in cards, horseshoes and bowling. He was well known for his generosity and “Arty-the-One-Man-Party†will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor and love of life.

In addition to his devoted wife, Edith, he is survived by four sons, Gary Peck and his wife, Lorene, of Winsted, Robert Peck and his wife, Doris, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Richard Peck and his wife, Ginger, of Mesa, Ariz., and John Peck and his wife, Donna, of Payson, Ariz.; two daughters, Deborah Gouthier and her husband, Edwin (Teddy), of Winsted and Carol Shaker and her husband, Vincent, of Mesa; special stepchildren, Mark Holden of Charlestown, N.H., and Wayne Holden and his wife, Luna, of Charlestown, N.H.; a brother, Elmer Peck, and sister-in-law, Maxine, of Rutland; a sister, Dorcus Melen of Rutland; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Brian Peck.

Graveside services were held Oct. 22 at Forest View Cemetery, Winsted. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, Winsted, has care of the arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Foothills Visiting Nurse & Home Care, 32 Union St., Winsted, CT 06098 and/or a charity of the donor’s choice. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.