Peter Meyer, 72, of Orchid Island and Quechee, Vt., passed away on Jan. 4, 2015. He was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Savannah, Ga.
Meyer was a Vietnam veteran who went on to a distinguished career at Merrill Lynch. He was born in Newark, N.J., on Feb. 24, 1942. He graduated from Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., in 1960, where he distinguished himself as an athlete and a leader.
In May 2011, he was inducted into the Columbia High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements in football and basketball. Meyer attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1964. He was an Airborne Ranger and worked as an instructor in the Ranger School. He was promoted to Captain and served in Vietnam as a Company Commander. He retired from the military in 1969 and began a 31-year career at Merrill Lynch, first as a stockbroker and then later as a manager of offices in Newark, N.J. and Chicago, Ill. In his last position at Merrill Lynch, Meyer worked for 14 years in Boston, Mass., as the Managing Director of Institutional Sales, retiring in December 2000.
Meyer married his beloved high school sweetheart, Phyllis Caponetti Meyer, who adored him in return. They celebrated 50 years of marriage this past June. Meyer is also survived by his two daughters Deborah Meyer Cohen (Andy) of Oakton, Va., and Susan Meyer Ross (Chuck) of Brookline, Mass. His daughters loved him, admired him and always felt safe in his presence.
In retirement, Meyer devoted many hours to caring for, traveling with and inspiring his five grandchildren: Josh and Lily Cohen and Ben, Henry, and Lizzie Ross. He supported their education and their dreams. They loved their “Grampy” dearly and are feeling the deep pain of his loss.
Meyer was a dutiful son, a loving husband, a steadfast friend, and a generous father and grandfather. He was a war veteran who served his country bravely and proudly. He was also the life of the party, infusing every gathering with energy, humor and fun. He touched many lives and has left this world a better place.
There is no question that he was taken too soon, but his family will soldier on, living out the commitment to family, friends and country that he taught us.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Boston Harborside Home of JS Waterman & Son – Waring-Langone, 580 Commercial Street, Boston. A reception will follow. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel, The United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at 10 a.m. Bus transportation will be provided from The Thayer Main Gate/Buffalo Soldiers Field Parking. Government identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport) is required. Interment with military honors will take place at the West Point Cemetery. A reception will follow at The West Point Club. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the West Point Association of Graduates (www.westpointaog.org).