May 24, 1929–November 18, 2013
Peter Mark DeCew of Cazenovia, NY, and Fayston, VT, passed peacefully from this life on Monday, November 18, 2013, at the great age of 84. He was born in Mount Vernon, NY, on May 24, 1929, to Judson and Beatrice DeCew, the youngest of five brothers. He attended A.B. Davis High School in Mt. Vernon and also Cornell University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before commencing what would be a 60-plus year career as a manufacturer's representative in the field of high voltage test equipment and electronic controls, over 45 years of which were at the head of his own companies. When asked what he did for a living, he would often say, "I'm a peddler!" which sometimes caused his children to imagine him riding a bicycle to work and back each day.
Peter is survived by the love of his life and bride of 53 years, Concetta; his seven children: Annine "Nina" (Robert) Madok of Pacific Palisades, CA, Mark DeCew of Los Angeles, CA, John (Deborah) DeCew and Pia (David) Murray, both of Cazenovia, Maria (Sean) Flynn of Warren, VT, Gina (Danny) Moy of Napa, CA, and Carla DeCew of Denver, CO; seven grandchildren: Peter and Jake DeCew, Claire and Evan Murray, Emmilia and Maggie Moy and Gabriella Madok; and a large extended family.
Besides his family, the great joys of Peter's life revolved around food, wine and friendships. Always at home around a dinner table or at one of his numerous favorite restaurants, he took great pleasure in sharing his passions with those around him.
He was the consummate host and had a remarkable gift for making everyone in the room feel welcome, valued and interesting. When in The Valley (for many ski weekends and virtually every summer since 1963) he was a true "regular" at Chez Henri, Sam Rupert's and in more recent years Egan's Big World and The Common Man and was proud to count many of their owners and staff among his friends.
Peter loved downhill skiing, which he enjoyed well into his 70s, tinkering with his fleet of lawnmowers and listening to the Big Band music of the 1940s.
Since Peter decided in 1974 to participate in the SUNY Upstate Anatomical Gift Program, there will be no calling hours or funeral services at this time. Instead the family invites friends to call on them at home in Cazenovia and next summer in Fayston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CAVAC (Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps), 106 Nelson Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035.
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