Peter George Powell

Peter George Powell, age 79, of Keene, NH and formerly of Peterborough, NH, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Parlin Hospice Residence in Wayland, MA on February 11, 2023. Peter was born in Wilmington, DE on November 7, 1943, the son of Peter and Gladys (Pointe) Powell. Inspired by a family member during his high school years, Peter developed an interest in electrical engineering and would pursue this passion via a degree in the field from the University of Delaware. He would later combine this degree with his interest and experience in computer science and served his country during the Vietnam war working at the Academic Computer Center at West Point. Peter continued his career working for companies such as IBM, Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq, and Hewlett Packard. As a respected member of the IBM software team, Peter was involved in both national and international company ventures.

Peter had passion and technical talent for computers, but his true love was connecting with the beauty and energy of nature and when he retired, he fittingly began a photography business, Peter Powell Photography. Throughout the last 20 years, Peter captured the changing seasons, rushing waters, lively wildlife and hearty community of Peterborough, NH and Northern New England. MacDowell Lake served as the epitome of everything Peter loved about the natural world, and many of the memories his friends and family hold dear are related to time at the lake or Peter’s stories of his latest walks there – the summer sun reflecting brilliantly off the water or the leaves journeying through vibrant hues at the turn of fall.

Peter was quiet and kind, and the Peterborough community, especially the UU Church, became a point of connection that greatly enriched his later years. He thrived in creating order and planning, and quickly became involved in both the men’s group and community supper at church. He also loved his cat, Buddy, and spoke warmly of their naps together before the wood fire in his living room. Peter was a proud father and grandfather, and in his own quiet way it was clear he cared deeply for his family throughout his life.

Peter is survived by his youngest daughter, Rebecca Powell, of Boston, MA; grandson, Nathan Katsigianis; son-in-law, Tim Katsigianis; brother, Richard Powell and sister-in-law, Laura Powell; and friend and ex-spouse, Deborah Sturm. Peter’s eldest daughter, Sharon Katsigianis, passed in 2015. Peter is also loved and remembered fondly by his cousins, nieces, nephews, and the dear community of close friends he developed in Peterborough, NH.

A celebration of Peter’s life will be held on Saturday March 18, 2023 at 11:00am at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 25 Main Street, Peterborough, NH. A back-up weather date is set for March 25, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Peter’s name to: The National Audubon Society (https://www.audubon.org).