Peter Joseph Dawson

Peter Joseph Dawson, formerly of Suffern, New York, and longtime resident of Kingston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, in Venice, Florida, at the age of 79.

Born in Suffern on April 26, 1946, Peter graduated from Suffern High School and went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Air Force. He was deployed to Southeast Asia, and other places around the world, with the 15th Special Operations Squadron, where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

On April 27, 1968, Peter married Mary T. Martin, which was the beginning of what would become a 57-year marriage. They raised two sons, Matthew and Michael. His family grew to include a daughter-in-law, Cordelia, and three beloved grandchildren—Nicholas, Alexander, and Cascadia. He was a proud and loving grandfather, and delighted in watching his grandchildren grow.

After completing his military service, Peter attended college using the G.I. Bill, and then built a career as a field service and installation engineer specializing in medical imaging equipment, in particular, the cardiac catheterization lab at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Peter lived in upstate New York before settling in Kingston, Massachusetts, where he and Mary spent 25 years building a home and community. In retirement, they relocated to Venice, Florida, where Peter enjoyed the warm weather, fishing, golf, tinkering in his shop, and time with friends and family.

Venice became a second home for Peter and Mary and Peter loved his new community, where he served on the board of the Gondola Park Condominium Association and was known as a regular handy-man - always willing to lend a tool or a hand.

He will be fondly remembered by family and friends for his natural curiosity, willingness to help others, warm and sociable nature, and deep devotion to those he held dear.

Peter was very passionate about the Special Operations Warrior Foundation helping families of fallen Special Operations Personnel. Donations in his honor can be made by visiting specialops.org.

Private gatherings will be held to celebrate Peter’s life in his honor in southern New England in July 2025 and Venice, Florida in January 2026.