Frank John Pehr

Frank John Pehr, 82, of Meriden, CT, died peacefully on April 30, 2026. He was born on September 1, 1943, in Waterbury, CT, a son of the late Frank and Irene (Crochetiere) Pehr. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, 8 months and 7 days, Susan Pehr.

He is survived by his children, daughter Suzanne (Pehr) Lavoie and her husband, Roger, and son, Jason Pehr; three granddaughters, Hannah (Lavoie) Cooper and her husband, Justen, Sarah Lavoie, and Alison (Pehr) Rose and her husband, Bobby; his sisters, Irene Hildebrand and her husband, Bill, Janet Pehr, Susan Biron, Nancy Lemonik and her husband, Norman, Rosemary Voegeli and her husband, Paul, and Teresa Pehr; his brother, John Pehr and his wife, Tina; and his brother-in-law, Billy Callahan. He was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Callahan. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

Frank resided most of his life in Meriden. In his younger years, he lived in Cheshire and served in the United States Marine Corps. Later he spent some time residing in Daytona Beach. Frank retired at the age of 62 after many years as a Teamster truck driver with several trucking companies and as a foreman at the Miller Company in Meriden. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement.

Frank and Susan enjoyed many early morning trips to the casino. They both loved dogs and rescued several Shelties over the years, and he was always in the company of a faithful companion. Most recently, he was predeceased by his four-legged friend, Siri, just three weeks earlier.

He loved to golf, fish, play cards, read, play Backgammon and spend time on his pontoon boat on Lake Beseck. Frank was a member of many clubs, including the Franco-American Club, Hallmere Social Club ("The Shack"), Southington Sportsman Club, St. Mary's Men's Club, Hidden Havana Social Club, and many others.

Frank was a fun-loving, optimistic, and deeply positive man who had an extraordinary ability to find the good in every situation. No matter the circumstances, he approached life with an unwavering outlook that lifted those around him. He gave everyone the benefit of the doubt, even when their actions suggested they might not deserve it, choosing kindness and understanding over judgment. He enjoyed being in the company of others, content to share in the moment rather than seek the spotlight, though his natural sense of humor would occasionally and effortlessly make him the center of attention. Nothing made him happier than hearing laughter-often at his own expense-and seeing those around him smiling. His spirit, warmth, and relentless positivity were truly unmatched and will be remembered by all who knew him.

There are no calling hours, and burial will be private. Please smile and remember his laughter when you think of Frank. Once a Marine, always a Marine, Semper Fi! Memorial contributions may be made to the Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450.

Published by The Record-Journal on May 9, 2026.