Everett Wellington Peckham II, 94, Hampton, VA., passed away on Sept. 20, 2024, after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. Everett, also known as Peck, was ever the optimist, always outgoing and lived a long and healthy life.

Born on Jan. 7, 1930, in Providence, RI, he was the son of Everett W. Peckham and Ruth Gladys (Bone) Peckham. Everett was preceded in death by his younger brother William Peckham (Dorothy).

Everett graduated from Rogers High School in Newport, RI, in 1948. He enlisted in the USAF at age 18 after high school. While in the Air Force, Everett fought in the Korean War, stationed in Japan serving as an aviation flight crew mechanic. After the war he was stationed in Las Vegas where he was the crew chief for the famous acrobatic Thunderbird squadron for 5 years. He went back to Japan for a second tour of duty, then came home and settled in Hampton, VA. where he retired from the Air Force in 1968 after 20 years of service.

While stationed in Las Vegas, Everett met and, in 1956, married Rosa Lee (Cheney) Peckham, they remained married for 48 years until her death in 2004. Peck and Rosa had 8 children, Vicki, Nancy, Barry (all deceased), Delina (Larry), Bryan (Sharon), Roger (Lorrie), Richard, and John (Lisa). Peck and Rosa also had 8 grandchildren, Scott, Christy, Shannon, James, Travis, Mallory, Jessica, and Rachel (deceased), and 6 great grandchildren. William Peckham had 4 children whom Everett dearly loved, Mark (Stephanie), Sandy (Richard), and Susan, and Christin (both deceased).

After retiring from the Air Force, Everett worked at Newport News Shipyard where he was a maintenance electrician for 20 years until his retirement in 1988.

Everett met and married his second wife, Linda Daszkowski Peckham, in 2005 and they were together for 16 years until her death in 2021. Linda had 2 children from her previous marriage, Jack (Jennifer) and Jill (Chris); and 2 grandchildren, Jack and Charlie. Everett loved those children and grandchildren like his own.

He was a lifelong New England sports fan, and especially loved the Red Sox and Celtics. He played basketball in high school and enjoyed shooting hoops throughout his life. He was an avid runner for more than 40 years and often rode his bicycle 5 miles to work at the shipyard. After retiring he went to the gym regularly, even up to his passing.

The funeral service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Hampton on Oct. 5, 2024 at 11 a.m., with a remembrance gathering after the funeral in the church parish hall. All are welcome to attend. A private full military burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers you may make donations to the Special Olympics or Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters.

Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton, 757-825-8070.