Obituary of Peter Light

Pete’s favorite poem: Invictus by William Ernest Henley OUT of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. Peter Light, age 89, died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family on Friday, June 16th, 2006. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Bea (Hermelee); his daughter Marilyn Piper and her husband Craig Costello of Olympia, Washington; his son, Steven Light and wife Kathy of Marshfield, Vermont; grandchildren Sonya Piper of Seattle, Washington; Alissa Light of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Anna Light of Red Hook, New York; Chris Costello of Vancouver, Washington; Matt Costello of Tacoma, Washington; their spouses, partners, and 4 great grandchildren. Peter was born to Samuel and Anna Licht on October 18th, 1916 in New York City. He was married to Bea Hermelee on June 8th, 1941 and shortly thereafter was inducted into the 85th Division of the United States Army. His love of music and his sensitive ear qualified him for the Signal Corps. He served in North Africa and Italy. After the war, he returned to New York to raise his family. He retired from the General Post Office in Manhattan after 28 years. He and Bea moved to West Newbury, Vermont in 1978 where they loved the rural life style. Pete’s vegetable garden was his religion. When the winters became too harsh, they sold their home in Vermont to begin their second retirement in Chandler, Arizona. In December of 2004 they moved to Lacey, Washington to be near their daughter Marilyn and her family. Pete enjoyed playing cards and doing the New York Times crossword puzzle with his wife, watching sports, music and most of all being with his family. He was known for his gentle ways, humor, and the twinkle in his eyes.