Obituary of Donald Peterkin

Poughkeepsie- Donald Louis Peterkin, age 59 of Poughkeepsie, NY. Beloved husband and father passed peacefully from this earth on Saturday February 18, 2012. He was born in Kingston, Jamaica July 15, 1952 to Hugh and Daphne Peterkin. He grew up in Kingston, Jamaica and came to United States as a teenager. Graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in Albany, NY then went on to graduate from SUNY New Paltz with a degree in Sociology and Physical Education. On December 9, 1979, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Valarie E. Peterkin. They went on to have two beautiful daughters Nadia and Natalie, and later fathered Asha. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. Fraternity. Don dedicated his life to the service of others, working for many years at St. Cabrini Home and Department of Corrections- DFY, Wingdale, from where he retired. He later went on to establish community care homes for disabled veterans for which he worked passionately for more than 25 years. His reputation as a loving, caring man preceded him everywhere he went. Donald earned respect and admiration from those he encountered. Anyone who met Don was instantly drawn to his charismatic personality and infectious smile. In addition to his loving wife and daughters he is survived by 4 brothers, Robert (California), Marshall (Jamaica), Paul (Pough.), and John (Pough.) Peterkin, and god-daughter Melissa DeLeon, 4 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was viewed as a "father" and "mentor" to many, and will be sadly missed. January, 2005, Don was blessed by becoming a heart transplant recipient. He has dedicated his time to organ donation awareness and The American Heart Association. In his last days, he was organizing his team to participate in the Heart Walk on March 10, 2012. In his memory and in lieu of flowers please visit his website to participate and/or donate to the cause (www.dutchessulsterheartwalk.org), search for his team name "Team Donald". His memory, spirit and love will live on with all of us forever. Services will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 5pm at Faith Assembly of God, located at 254 Spackenkill Rd., Pough., NY 12603. Arrangements are under the direction of Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. If you need directions or would like to leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com.