Peter Bergholtz ’61 died on April 16, 2025, in Rockport, Massachusetts.

(The following was provided by the Boston Globe on April 21, 2025:)

Peter Bergholtz ’61

Peter Bergholtz, celebrating a life well-lived, age 84, of Rockport, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, on April 16, 2025, surrounded by his family, after complications from a stroke. Peter was born on October 3,1940, and raised in Reading, Massachusetts. He was the son of Marjorie (Ritchie) and Paul Bergholtz. He graduated from Reading Memorial High School and went on to attend Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where he played varsity basketball and baseball. Peter later continued his education by getting his master’s degree at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. He married the love of his life, Joyce Doherty, and together, they raised four children in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Their blessed marriage lasted fifty-seven years until Joyce passed away in 2018. Peter and Joyce spent the first twenty-five years of their life together, driving their children to soccer, tennis, baseball, basketball and, especially, hockey games. Peter began his business career in management at New England Telephone Company in Boston. Switching careers, he first purchased a stationary manufacturing company in his hometown of Reading, before then going on to establish a successful horticulture supply business. During that time, he was awarded two patents for his innovations in horticultural products. Peter eventually retired in 2013, dedicating his time to volunteerism. Peter and Joyce sold their home in Wakefield in 1989 and moved year-round to their summer home in Rockport. Once settled, they became active members of the Rockport community. Among his many contributions, Peter was a proud member of the Board of Appeals for thirty years, serving in various roles, including chairman. He also served on the board of directors of the Sandy Bay Historical Society, which allowed him to pursue his passion for history. For twenty-four years, he was deeply involved with the Thacher and Straitsmouth Island Association, serving as vice chairman for fifteen of those years. Peter cherished the “brotherhood” he formed with the many friends who helped restore and maintain these beautiful islands. Afternoons at Old Garden and Cape Hedge Beach with his family and faithful white golden retriever, Shannon, were also among his greatest joys. Peter was predeceased by his beloved son, Scott. He is survived by his children, their spouses and his grandchildren, Steven (Katherine) Bergholtz of Wenham, Massachusetts, (Erica) Bergholtz of Wakefield, Massachusetts, Jeffrey (Nancy) Bergholtz of Naples, Florida, and Amy and (David) Jones of Hamilton, Massachusetts. He was a devoted grandfather to Spencer, Sheridan, Riley, Annie, Jillian, Lindsay, Scott Bergholtz, Jr. and Henry, William, and Nathaniel Jones. He is also survived by his companion, Caroline Bochman.