Peter Roy Hucke

Peter Roy Hucke “Roy,” 93, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2023 in Meriden, CT surrounded by family, 35 days following the passing of his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Hucke. A true testament to eternal love.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on April 23, 1930 to Jane Roy and Peter John Hucke, Roy grew up in Ozone Park, NY. Following his U.S. Army service in Japan during the Korean War, Roy returned home to his love, Betty. On a cold and snowy afternoon on February 13, 1955 at Woodhaven Presbyterian Church, Betty and Roy began their 67-year marriage. They settled in Massapequa Park, NY, where they raised two daughters and Roy commuted to Manhattan. His career specialized in corporate Risk Management and Property Casualty insurance.

Roy and Betty had lifelong friends from Ozone Park aka “The Motley Crew” – a group of friends who grew up in the same neighborhood and all moved to Long Island. The crew did everything from family get-togethers to monthly canasta games, and traveled the world.

Roy was the biggest tinkerer, he loved (and cursed) “Roy’s Toys” – various cars, including rebuilding the engine of a ’66 Mustang, boats (Roy’s Toy and Roy’s Toy II), collecting Hess trucks for over 40 years, model trains at Christmas and later building and attempting to fly model airplanes. He was famous at using the “Rube Goldberg” method to fix things!

In 1986, Roy & Betty relocated to Orange, CT due to Roy’s transfer with General Electric. While in Orange, new memories and friendships were created, especially at the Orange Congregational Church. Aside from church committees, he was best known for his involvement with the ROMEOS “Retired Old Men Eating Out!” The group would meet in the early morning, go out to breakfast, and do handyman jobs around the church. Roy would also use his truck to help deliver thousands of pounds of food and Christmas presents for FISH of Greater New Haven.

In 2007, Roy and Betty moved to Ashlar Village in Wallingford, CT. Being only 20 minutes from Orange, Roy continued his volunteering, but also integrated himself into life at Ashlar Village. Soon after moving to Ashlar, Roy and friends created Mothers & Others, a group of men who cooked and served over 100 “Mothers” near Mother’s Day to celebrate ANY type of mother. The tradition is a May highlight at Ashlar. Additionally, he joined the Ashlar Village Scholarship Committee, soon becoming chair. This resident-run group provides annual scholarships to employees and children of employees to further their education. Since gratuities are not allowed at Masonicare, this is a way for residents to give back to the staff. Over his 15+ years on the committee, Roy read hundreds of applications, reviewed with the committee, and annually awarded over 20 scholarships. He was especially proud to meet these individuals and present each person a scholarship.

Roy volunteered and gave so much of his time to helping others. He began as a Boy Scout and later was actively involved in numerous church positions, American Legion, Ashlar Village Scholarship committee, and Masons – a fraternal organization he was part of for almost 70 years!

For almost 40 years, Roy and Betty had a condo in Marco Island, FL, a place Roy could relax when he was still working and in retirement, a place for warm falls/winters. Days were spent exploring the coastal waters on the boat, walking the beach looking for shells/sand dollars, enjoying parties and dinners in the chickee, helping to build homes for Habitat for Humanity, and serving on the board for their condo complex.

Roy’s kindness, gentle manner, and ability to talk to anyone made him loved by all.  He lived life to the fullest every day – he loved food and loved to eat! If it was burnt, it was even better! However, Roy will most be remembered clapping his hands and saying, “it’s cocktail time!” and making a Johnny Walker Black, straight or on the rocks with a splash in his favorite glass. Of course, always asking others what they would enjoy too.

Roy is survived by his daughters, Betty Jane Meier (Frank) and Katherine Wildman (Peter), along with two wonderful grandchildren, Katelyn and Christopher, and additional family members and friends.

His family would like to thank the entire staff of Masonicare at Ashlar Village for the love, kindness, assistance, and GOOD TIMES they gave Roy and Betty over their 19 years of being part of the community at Ashlar Village.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Hartog auditorium at Ashlar Village on Thursday, November 16^th at 11 a.m. A light lunch will follow.

As giving back was such a part of Roy’s life, donations can be made to Masonicare at Ashlar Village. Mailing address: Ashlar Village Scholarship Committee, Masonicare at Ashlar Village, 74 Cheshire Road, Wallingford, CT 06492. Memo line: Scholarship Fund Hucke.