Peter J. McEachern

Peter Joseph McEachern, born on October 12th 1954 passed away suddenly on Saturday May 14th 2022 at the age of 67.   Pete, a lifetime resident of Scituate was husband to Cynthia (Pallotta) McEachern of 44 years.  He was the beloved son of the late Paul and Marie (Kelley) McEachern and dad to his four children, Jenna (Reedy) her husband Seamus of Norwell , Bobby and his wife Kathleen of Scituate, Lisa (Butterworth) and her husband David of Carver and the late A.J. McEachern.  He also leaves behind his brother Gary, sister-in-law Jeanne of Scituate along with  many “outlaws”, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

His eight grandchildren held a special, dare we say, soft spot for Pete. His grandchildren included Carter, Hazel, Troy and Ajay Butterworth, Marcus and Fiona Reedy along with Quint and Cort McEachern. He saw them all weekly and loved being with his grandchildren who affectionately called him Papa, or Papa Pete.  They were always asking Papa to fix toys, build pinewood derby cars, go fishing, take boat rides and take them for rides in his machines. His big presence will be missed dearly by his “rugrats.”

He had an idyllic Scituate childhood with his brother and best friend, Gary.  Running around the woods of Indian Trail, clamming, Irish mossing, lobstering, boating and sailing the coast of Maine with their father every summer. Playing hockey and forming life-long friendships was a favorite pastime.

He graduated from Northeastern University.  With four small children at home he quit his job and started his own business, McEachern Contracting over 35 years ago. Well respected and always willing to help other guys in the business.  Everyone around town knew his maroon McEachern Contracting Truck. 

He worked hard and played just as hard. “Vacation Pete” was always a good time. From skiing to boating or hunting trips with the guys, he had a blast and so did everyone around him.  Pete had many hobbies and talents, too many to list.  Some favorites included bow hunting, bee keeping, and fixing anything. Many winters were spent skiing, with the “raggamuffin” ski gang.  Just last year he was still following his grandkids into the woods and hitting jumps.   He taught dozens of people how to ski and helped start and coach the Ski East League which included the Scituate High Ski team. Hunting, catching and growing his own food was a way of life.  He spent hours perfecting recipes on his green egg.   Peter always had multiple projects in the works. A master craftsman who built much of his own house and tinkered in his woodshop making boats of all sizes.  When he was not fixing things he could have been found arguing with Cindy over the garden. His latest project was restoring a vintage Delano skiff that he had been dreaming about for 10 years. 

His favorite passion was his lawn.  If you want to pay tribute to Pete, drive by his lawn and marvel. (yes he has well water and will be laughing when the town runs out of water)  His most cherished talent was the ability to include a group of friends from all ages and walks of life into his passions.  

“Pete and Cindy” as they were affectionately known were life long partners who supported each other as a true partnership. As a team they raised their own 4 kids plus many others in their extended village. They supported each other in their hobbies, activities and endeavors.  Many fun weekends were spent on their boat exploring the New England coast.  A few years ago they spent the winter in Florida and then drove their boat on the intercoastal from Florida to Scituate.  Pete and Cindy loved to entertain. Their house was always full of friends, family, kids and strays.  You were sure to have lots of laughs, homemade food and then be walked to the door or the car.

Pete was not one for affection but if he liked you, you would know and we all knew.  A man of integrity, honor and loyalty. A role model to all. He was a man’s man who could do or fix anything and everything. But most of all, it was Pete’s way or no way.

Pete was influential to so many.  Sometimes it was just to make fun of you or to give you a nickname that stuck for life. Other times to give you a home, a tool or a helping hand.  Always one for a good story, a wise crack or some town gossip.  He will be missed by many and forever remembered.  

In honor of Peter, please wear jeans, tee-shirt and a blazer.  No ties allowed. Services will be held Friday, May 20th 2022 at 11 :00am at the Saint Mary’s of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent Street Scituate, MA 02066.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Scituate Maritime and Mossing Museum.