William Sydney Pelley Sr.

ROCHESTER - William Sidney Pelley, Sr. 77, of 21 Wellsweep Circle, Apt. 1, Rochester, died peacefully, with family by his side, on Sunday, October 24, 2010 at Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover. Born in Rochester, NH, April 15, 1933, the son of the late Alfred S. and A. Louise (Tucker) Pelley, Bill attended Spaulding High School before moving to Beverly, MA with his parents and graduating from Beverly High School. After graduating, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Janet. Bill and Janet were married for 58 years and together they raised five children. While in the U.S. Army, Bill served in Okinawa during the Korean War. Bill worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for 30 years before retiring in 1986. Bill enjoyed golf, racing vintage cars, watching Red Sox and Patriots games, and being surrounded by family and friends. He was a member of the Rochester Elks Club, the American Legion, the Vintage Sports Car Club of America and the Seacoast Car Club Association, where he built many lasting friendships. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his family; Janet R. (Lambert) of Rochester, and five children; Jayne M. Pelley of Rochester, NH, Cindy L. Skidds and husband Gerald of Lebanon, ME, William S. Pelley, Jr. of Manchester, NH, Ted A. Pelley and wife Cindy of Barrington, NH, and Kathy A. Gordon and husband Geoff of Eliot, ME. He will also be remembered dearly by his beloved grandchildren: Amy and Joshua Skidds, Aaron, Brittany and Jessica Pelley, Bryan and Bryanna Pelley and Jacob and Kylie Gordon; his great-grandchildren: Xavier, Brooke and Ava Skidds and Beckham Pelley-Taylor. He also leaves behind a sister, Alice Jane Smith of Lynn, MA, and was predeceased by a brother A. Ray Pelley. Calling hours will be held at the R. M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 S. Main Street, Rochester, NH on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 from 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM, funeral will immediately follow at 12 PM. Burial will be in the Rochester Cemetery, Franklin Street, Rochester, NH In his memory contributions may be directed to the Hyder Family Hospice House, 285 County Farm Rd., Dover, NH 03820.