Peter
C. Clapp
Peter Charles Clapp, 60, of
Ipswich, died December 15th, 2007 at the Kaplan
Family Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Ipswich, on Jan 18th,
1947, he was the son of the late Meredith and Margaret Clapp.
Raised in Ipswich, Pete was a graduate of Ipswich High School,
class of 1965. After graduation, he entered the Air Force,
serving in Vietnam until 1968. Upon his return home, he worked
as a seafood broker for Arne Peterson International in
Gloucester, and was a member of the VFW, John T. Heard Lodge,
and AmVets. He met his wife Cheryl in 1972, married in 1974 and
made their home and raised their family in Ipswich. In August
of 2006, Peter was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer,
and was given a life expectancy of seven months. Through his
determination, incredibly positive attitude, and the loving
support of his family and many friends, Pete courageously fought
the disease for over sixteen months.
At the time of his death, Pete was
employed by the Ipswich Housing Authority, a job which he loved,
and which afforded Pete friendships he truly cherished. Despite
his doctors suggestions of full disability, Pete was determined
to continue working each day, refusing to leave his co-workers
side. When the doctors told Pete that he needed a feeding tube,
his first thought was whether or not he would be able to crawl
under the sinks to help out on the job, as he didn’t want to let
his buddies down. Pete’s positive outlook touched everyone he
met. In fact, everyone noticed Pete’s outgoing, friendly smile,
and laid back charm, but few realized that for the past 12
months, Pete was carrying a chemotherapy pump around with him
under his shirt, which was administering his cancer treatment.
Hours before he passed, Pete spoke
his final words to his family. Just as Pete lived his life, his
final words spoke of the strength of family, and the importance
of giving back: “I’ve had a great life on this earth. You
can’t ask for anything better than that. If you’re fortunate
enough to have that, you have to give back.”
Pete leaves behind his wife of 33
years Cheryl (Krajeski) Clapp, his two daughters, Megan Clapp
and Courtney Cummins and her husband James, in-laws John and
Jean Krajeski, brother William Clapp, sister Deborah Kmiec, and
several nephews and cousins, as well as the much loved family
pet, Charlie. Peter was expecting his first grandchild in
March.
His funeral will be held Wednesday
December 19 at 10 am in the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High
Street, Ipswich. Family and friends respectfully welcomed.
Visiting hours are Tuesday 4 to 8 pm, with a service by Ipswich
VFW Post 1093 at 7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions
in his name may be made to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute,
GI/GU Oncology, Care of Dr. Peter Enzinger, 44 Binney Street,
Boston, MA 02155-6084, and/or The Kaplan Family Hospice House,
78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA 01923.
