William "Bill" Knight Peck

William “Bill” Knight Peck was born on December 21, 1938 in NYC, the second son of Horace Sill Peck and Mary Emily Leary Peck. He spent most of his childhood in NYC where he attended the Birch Wathen Lenox School.

In 1961 Bill graduated from Lehigh University and in 1963 earned a Masters of Science Work from New York University.

He married Marcia Allen Cole. Together they joined the Peace Corps. Assigned to Luzon in the Philippines, Bill taught English and math at a small bario elementary school. Later, Bill was called to the University of the Philippines in Quezon to instruct Philippine college students in social work methodology.

Through his marriage to Marcia, Bill was a proud father-in-law to Kyunghyo Abby Fernald and grandfather to Kyunghyo's sons, Isaiah and Gideon.

After leaving the Peace Corps, Bill served as Executive Director of Independence House, a half-way house in NYC for formerly incarcerated youth.

In the late 1980's Bill moved to Eldred, NY where he met and married Kathryn "Kay" Bosch Morris. Bill became stepfather to Kay’s three daughters, Sharon Gary, Lori Morris and Corinne (David) Denny and eventually step-grandfather to seven grandchildren. Kay passed away in 1997.

In 2002 Bill met Frieda Etkin. They were married in 2004 and retired to Athens, GA. Bill became step-father once again to Frieda’s sons, Adam and Jonathan and their wives Sara and Cheryl as well as step-grandfather to Adam and Sara’s children, Ozzie and Zoe.

For years Bill’s passion was running marathons and he completed many 100-mile ultra marathons.

Bill was also fond of playing the guitar and singing countless folk and humorous songs. He loved all kinds of music and wrote poems and songs which he loved to perform for friends. A life-long New York Yankees fan, and in particular, a fan of Willie Mays, Bill never missed a chance to sing “Say Hey!” (the Willie Mays Song).

Ever the travel enthusiast, Bill and his wife, Frieda, traveled to many countries around the world.

While in Athens, Bill was a dedicated volunteer at the Senior Center where he received an award for his service. He also served as a Hospice Volunteer.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 11 a.m. in the social hall of Congregation Children of Israel, 115 Dudley Drive in Athens, GA.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Congregation Children of Israel, 115 Dudley Drive, Athens, GA 30606.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.