Victor (Vytautus) P. Peckaitis, age 91, of Old Saybrook, passed away on Aug. 25, 2024. Victor was born in Vilkaviscis, Lithuania, in 1932. He was predeceased by his parents, Patras and Stasia (Undriusis) Peckaitis; his daughter, Mary Peckaitis; and his brothers, Romus Peckaitis and Algis Peckaitis.

Victor leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Joan (Yuodsnukis) Peckaitis, and his daughter Christine Peckaitis. He also leaves behind a nephew, Peter Peckaitis, and a niece, Ellen (Peckaitis) Poole, and their families. He leaves behind extended family in Lithuania.

Victor, along with his parents and brothers, escaped invading Russian forces during World War II. After World War II, he and his family emigrated to Old Saybrook. He loved Old Saybrook and thought it was a beautiful place to live and raise a family. He brought his bride, Joan, to Old Saybrook in 1958 and built a home for her and his growing family. Victor started his own business as a building contractor in his 20s. He was a fine carpenter and a licensed plumber. He could build or fix anything.

Victor was a United States Army Veteran, and he served in the Korean War. He proudly became a U.S. citizen while serving in the National Guard. Victor was a member of St John’s Catholic Church for over 70 years. He volunteered his time to the church in many ways. He participated in Men’s Club activities for many years, was an usher for Mass, and built the current rectory on Main Street.

Victor loved boating, fishing, and being near the water all his life. His close relationship with water began as a youngster when he went grenade fishing in the Suspupe River during World War II after he and his friends stole grenades from an enemy munitions cache. When he moved to Old Saybrook, he fished more sedately, using a fishing rod. Victor was a member of the Deep River Horseshoes League for over 60 years. He loved playing horseshoes to relax and was a fierce competitor, winning dozens of trophies. Victor loved dancing, and he particularly enjoyed polka dancing. He met his wife Joan at a Polish dance hall in Worcester, MA, and they spent many years dancing at every opportunity. Victor loved cats. He loved making friends with local feral cats, who recognized and trusted him. Family cat Ring Ding used to choose Victor to wake up when she wished to go outside in the middle of the night (in pre-coyote days). Over the past couple of years, Victor and Rupert (the cat) vied for their shares of hard-boiled eggs.

A visitation for Victor was held on Sept. 3 at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Victor’s name to Forgotten Felines (https://www.forgottenfelinesct.org/donate) or to the Old Saybrook Ambulance Association, PO Box 437, 316 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.