By Tim Lavey '63
“I was saddened on multiple levels to hear from Jeff Peyton '61 that his father, David Peyton, had passed away on January 2. He was a wonderful role model and teacher at Division Avenue High School and he was a close family friend.
My mom and dad had met and become friends with a number of families who were fighting against the intolerance of the Levittown School Board around 1956 or so. This group included the Peytons, the Fitzsimmonses, the Thibadeaus, the Kebabians and others. For decades thereafter, they remained fast friends. We were continually going to the beach with the Peytons in the warm weather months.
When I went to DAHS starting in 7th grade, it was a bit awkward for me to be around Dave Peyton. For one thing, I had to get used to calling him Mr. Peyton. He was otherwise “Uncle Dave” to me. The awkwardness was compounded when I had him for Industrial Arts in 1958 (and later Driver Ed). I had no discernable skills in Dave’s Industrial Arts class, but he helped me make a carving of a Roman soldier.
In many ways, the DAHS years are a blur. In my hazy recollection, it seems that there was one big, endless party at the Peyton house on Snowbird Lane. I can’t remember ever being there when there weren’t dozens of people in the house. While Dave was an integral part of this scene, most of it was surely due to Dave’s wife Sybil, my “Aunt Sybil”, a big-time extrovert if there ever was one.
It was a pleasure to reconnect with both Dave and Jeff back in 2009. Jeff stayed a night at my house in NJ, and I visited with him and Dave at Dave’s apartment in Gramercy Park (see photo above). I’m so glad I got to see Dave one last time.
I’m sure everyone would agree that Dave had a gruff exterior, but he was a warm, loving person to those of us who really got to know him. I’m happy that I was one of them.”
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Comments from Mr. Peyton's students
Jim Anton '61: I was lucky enough to have Mr. Peyton for shop. He was a dedicated teacher. May he rest in peace.
Marilyn Monsrud Frese '63: I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Peyton. He will be remembered fondly by so many people whose life he touched. I had the privilege of getting to know him better when I worked at Division Avenue.
Mark Rotker '68: He was a good guy. Had him for print shop in jr. high and then in driver ed. Played sports all year so I had to take it in the summer. Mr. Peyton asks who wants to drive first, so of course I volunteer. Pull out of the parking lot behind the school onto Division Avenue. There are just three of us guys plus him. Figure he's gonna take us behind Mays on the first day. Nope. Left on Division, right onto Hempstead Turnpike, right onto Merrick Avenue (past Salisbury Park) and right onto Old Country Road. Pretty gutsy on his part, but lotsa fun. Amazing he lasted so long after all those years teaching kids to drive in those situations.
Alan Lerner '60: Our condolences to the Peyton family for the loss of a wonderful human being. We lost a real hero.
Daria Marusevich '61: I've known Mr. Peyton a very long time. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in peace Dave, we'll miss your wonderful smile.
Brian Fisher '61: I had Mr. Peyton as my metal shop teacher, and I enjoyed his class very much even though I wasn't that good in metal shop. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing.
Arnie Galeota '61: Mr. Peyton was great man who leaves a tremendous legacy. I'm truly sorry.
3 comments:
From Martha/Marti Traystman Welch '60
Mr Peyton was great and he will surely be missed. It been a long time since I was attending DAHS and his picture brings back memories of times in the wing of the school where shop and art classes were held, all good of course.
So sorry to hear of this. As a good friend of Jeff and Ellen, l was fortunate to spend many a night at the "instant parties" we had at Peyton Place with Dave and Sybil. A wonderful man, great father and teacher. He will be sorely missed.
Jerry Reichert '61
Mr. Peyton's obituary in Newsday.
PEYTON - David, of New York on January 2, 2011. Born July 13, 1923, in New York City, Mr. Peyton lived in Levittown, Oak Beach, and Manhattan. He taught industrial arts at Division Avenue High School in Levittown and jewelry-making at the Bulova School in Queens. David was a WWII Air Force veteran who flew missions as a tail gunner with the 9th Air Force based in England. Loving father of Ellen Volpe of Huntington Station, NY and Jeffrey Peyton of Richmond, Virginia. Cherished father-in-law of Eugene Brown and Rita Peyton, grandfather of Jared Volpe, his wife Carolyn Conner, and Zachary, David, and Joseph Peyton, and great-granddaughter Genevieve. David was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sybil, and devoted companion in later life, Blanche Hess. Services on Wednesday, January 4, at 11:00 AM, at Gutterman's Funeral Home in Woodbury will be followed by burial at Calverton National Cemetery in Riverhead. Relatives and friends are welcome at te service and at the Volpe-Brown residence in Huntington Station for a gathering from 4 - 6 PM. Memorial contributions to Doctors Without Borders are welcome.
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