Jeff Peckham

Gordon Drew Peckham, Jr., known to friends and family as Jeff, of Marietta, GA, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on December 25, 1945, in Winchester, MA, he was known from an early age for his kindness, incredible work ethic, generosity, and love of family, qualities that remained at the heart of his life.

Jeff graduated from Winchester High School and attended Northeastern University. Jeff built a distinguished career through hard work and dedication. His work brought him and his family to Fort Worth, TX; Palatine, IL; and finally, Marietta, GA, where he ultimately retired as Chief Development Officer at Progressive Waste (formerly IESI).

Through those moves, Jeff, Gertrude, and their family made many special friends who became like family. Jeff was a devoted husband to Gertrude Peckham, the love of his life, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.

He was a devoted father to Sandra Flanagan of Chelmsford, MA, and Michael Peckham of Marietta, GA. He adored both his son-in-law and partner in crime, Derek Flanagan, and his loving daughter-in-law, Amanda Peckham. He was an adoring grandfather to Maggie, Grace, and Owen Flanagan of Chelmsford, MA, and Ryan and Evan Peckham of Marietta, GA.

Nothing meant more to Jeff than time with his grandchildren, and he took great pride in each of them, following their lives with love, joy, and unwavering support. He found happiness in playing golf with his son and good friends, cheering for his Boston sports teams, watching his grandchildren play sports, and sharing a good martini with his wife. Jeff was a longtime member of Indian Hills Country Club, where he enjoyed friendship, fellowship, and many memorable days on the course.

To know Jeff was to know warmth, loyalty, and unconditional love. He will be remembered for the love, warmth, and loyalty he shared so freely with those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jane and Gordon Peckham, his sisters Leora Cummings and Susan Martin, and his brother, Joel Peckham.

Jeff is survived by his brother John Peckham, and his wife Kathy, His brothers in laws Roy Cummings and Stephen Hawko and his sister-in-law Jeanne Peckham and many nieces and nephews.

In his final chapter, Jeff was lovingly supported by neighbors, friends, and extended family whose steady presence, compassionate care, and emotional support were a true gift to him and his immediate family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at H.M. Patterson & Son Canton Hill Chapel, 1157 Old Canton Rd, Marietta, GA 30068.

A burial will be held in July (date TBD) at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford, MA, where Jeff will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Nashoba Learning Group.

Or to Melmark New England in Jeff’s memory.

Both organizations were close to Jeff’s heart, not only for the support and services they provide to children with autism, but also because his granddaughters are honored to work there and be part of that mission.

Though deeply missed, Jeff’s love and light will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.