John Wendell Peck

John Wendell Peck, 88, of Gloversville, New York, passed away on May 17, 2026, after a brief illness at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady.

Born in Gloversville on June 27, 1937, John was the eldest son of Albert and Alice (Wendell) Peck of Peck’s Lake.

After earning his associate’s degree in 1956, John worked for IBM for many years, including the development of computer guidance systems during NASA’s Mercury and Saturn rocket eras. He went on to become a manager of systems development for large entities such as the State University of New York and the New York State Medicaid Management Information System. He later was a partner in Peck Consulting, providing management consulting and computer systems expertise to clients in a variety of business areas. He also served as a board member of Peck’s Lake Enterprises and Wendell Taylor Corporation for many years.

John was community- and civic-minded. He served the Town of Bleecker as a Town Councilman for many years and remained interested in political affairs throughout his life.

John was the quintessential Renaissance man, with knowledge, skills, and expertise in a diverse range of endeavors. He was, among other things, an aviator, sailor, skier, amateur radio operator (K2GOC), writer, nature-lover, avid historian, genealogist, and technology enthusiast. He was fortunate enough to lead several bare-boat charters to the Virgin Islands and introduced many family members and friends to this memorable vacation.

His lifelong passion for flying inspired him to become a pilot, flight instructor, and FAA certified mechanic, leading him to establish a flight academy and aviation consulting firm. In 2008, he was awarded the FAA’s Master Pilot Award in recognition of 50 years of safe flying. John belonged to the very small universe of people who could both build/restore and skillfully fly their own airplane. He had a passion for teaching and inspiring people to pursue their dreams, and through the expression of that passion touched a great many lives.

He cared deeply for the environment and worked tirelessly to help preserve the natural beauty of his beloved Peck’s Lake. In recent summers, he strove to educate others about the history of Peck’s Lake by conducting historical boat tours. He was also a longtime member of Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH), and his love of music inspired his support of Caroga Arts Collective. Whether discussing technology, history, aviation, or family genealogy, John approached life with wonder, intelligence, and passion.

John is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Carolyn (Hines) Peck, his brother Albert T. Peck III and wife Patricia, his three children, James A. Peck, Jane E. Peck, and John D. Peck and many nieces and nephews who will cherish the memories of the magic, wisdom and adventures shared with “Uncle John”. Several close neighbors and aviation friends also survive.

The family would like to thank the care team of the second-floor ICU at Ellis Hospital for their compassionate care and support.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 4pm until 7pm at the Betz, Rossi Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:30am at the funeral home.

In recognition of John’s love of attending EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, contributions in John’s memory are requested to the EAA Aviation Foundation: https://www2.eaa.org/foundation/giving-opportunities