Peter Partridge

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death of long-time WHOI volunteer, Peter Partridge on January 5, 2024, with his family by his side.

Peter was raised in Brookline, Mass., and spent his summers in Cataumet, Mass. He attended The Park School, Dexter School, and then graduated from Noble & Greenough School. He earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard College where he was a member of the Owl Club, ROTC, played hockey, and found theatre and photography to be new interests.

After his graduation from Harvard, Peter and Gretchen Van Houten were wed on June 18, 1958, just days before they left for the US Territory of Guam, where Peter would be stationed with the United States Navy. They welcomed their first child while living on Guam. On the historic day, January 23, 1960, Peter was the Officer-on-the-Bridge aboard the USS Lewis (DE-535), a Naval escort vessel, for the historic research dive made by the submersible Trieste to the ocean’s deepest depth, Mariana Trench. It was an experience he was most proud of.

Following an honorable discharge from the Navy, Peter and Gretchen  raised three children in Wellesley, and then Sherborn. Peter performed on stage with The Sherborn Players community theatre group, was a deacon at Pilgrim Church, and contributed to many other fundraising and community efforts. He and his wife also had a home in Jackson, NH, where they were avid members of The Wildcat Ski Club. They enjoyed being in the White Mountains. Skiing Tuckerman Ravine was an annual family tradition.

Peter was an investment broker in Boston where he managed several firms throughout his career in the city. After moving to Falmouth in 1998, Peter eventually settled into retirement. He went on to enjoying more time on the water, avidly photographing his natural surroundings, and was an active member of the Upper Cape Camera Club. He continued to support community theatre and eventually found a new vocation that complimented his great love for recreational boating. Until his passing, Peter enjoyed his role at Points East Magazine selling advertising and maintaining his lifelong connection to the boatyards and marine businesses he was always thrilled to visit.

Peter was a longtime volunteer at the WHOI Ocean Science Discovery Center, where he was a docent for 18 years. He gave generously to community efforts such as Recovery Without Walls. He was actively involved with the Cape Cod Curling Club, the West Falmouth Boat Club, and the First Congregational Church where he was a former deacon and a frequent reader, continuing to do so as recently as this past Christmas Eve.

Peter’s two great passions were his award-winning photography and teaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about boats, navigation, and the ways of the ocean. His sailing experience ranged from childhood Beetle Cat and Herreschoff adventures on Buzzards Bay, to offshore racing to Bermuda, Block Island, Monhegan, and Halifax. He and his wife also enjoyed sailing in Newfoundland, Alaska, Maine, and throughout the Caribbean Islands. During the 1970’s, Peter served as a Commodore at Buzzards Yacht Club and later was an active member of Chapoquoit Yacht Club, where he generously offered his time and his boat to help run countless sailboat races.

Peter was pre-deceased by his wife, Gretchen Van Houten Partridge (1936-2022). Peter is survived by his sister Elizabeth P. Heald, his children Ellen H (Glen) Pulsford, Lisa P Ramsbottom, and Andrew B (Haley) Partridge, grandchildren Spencer, Taylor, Nathaniel, Melissa, Siena, Jasper, Hazel, and great-grandchildren Samuel and Wyatt. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Joan K. Partridge, Debera VH Barnes, Katrine Van Houten (Matsutani) and his brother-in-law, Takesada Matsutani. Loved ones also include several cousins, countless nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

A Funeral Service at First Congregational Church, 68 Main St, Falmouth, Mass., is planned for April 6, 2024, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made in Peter’s honor to Bourne Conservation Trust, Buzzards Bay Coalition, or by giving at your local blood donation center.

Information for this obituary is from the Chapman Funeral Home website