Joseph Peck
TOWN OF SARATOGA —Joseph Peck, a beloved retired dairy farmer, storyteller, and author, passed away peacefully at 85 on November 24, 2024. He dedicated his life to farming, family and community, with the philosophy that service to others is the price you pay for your time on earth.
Born March 29, 1939, Joe was the third son of Schuyler and Viola (Haas) Peck. He grew up in the house where he was born on the family farm in the Town of Saratoga. He attended the Wagman’s Ridge one-room schoolhouse then graduated from Saratoga Springs High School and Cornell University (1960), where he met his wife Pat (Dunn). Married for 62 years, they built a life together that was filled with family, community, and agriculture. Joe and Pat raised three children. Their son David now operates their Century Farm. Joe joked that he could fix most things with bailing twine and duct tape.
He was a longtime leader in Saratoga County Farm Bureau and 4-H, NYS Agricultural Society, Hudson Valley Farm Credit, Academy for Lifelong Learning, Schuylerville Community Theater, Chair of the Town of Saratoga Planning Board, Resolutions Committee for AgriMark Cooperative, and a charter member of Saratoga JayCees and Thoroughbred Toastmasters. He was awarded the Cornell Outstanding Alumnus and the NYS Governor’s agriculture citation.
A gifted storyteller, Joe captured the humor and humanity of farm life through his three books and columns in agricultural publications. He spoke nationally sharing his humorous farm stories.
Joe also had a zest for life beyond the farm. He traveled extensively, exploring countries across Europe, and relished simple pleasures like visiting capitol buildings, county fairs, garage sales, and ice cream or root beer places.
Joe is survived by his wife, Pat, their three children, David, Deborah (Sean Kelleher), and Sharon, his four grandchildren, Henry and Erin Kelleher, and Asa and Schuyler Peck, as well as numerous extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his brothers John and Louis Peck.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Flynn Bros. Funeral Home Schuylerville, NY on Friday, November 29 with visitation from 1 – 2:30 p.m., service at 2:30 p.m., followed by burial at Prospect Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saratoga County 4-H Training Center, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa.
Joe’s family finds comfort in knowing that his stories, laughter, and contributions to the community will live on for generations to come. His positive spirit, wit, and deep love for his family and the farm will never be forgotten. He was a man who truly made life richer for all who had the privilege to know him.