Peter Bergholtz

Peter Bergholtz, 84, of Rockport Massachusetts passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025 surrounded by his family after complications from a stroke.

Peter was born on October 3,1940 and raised in Reading Massachusetts. He was the son of Marjorie (Ritchie) and Paul Bergholtz.

He graduated from Reading Memorial High School and went on to attend Bowdoin College in Brunswick Maine where he played varsity basketball and baseball. Peter later continued his education by getting his masters degree at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

He married the love of his life, Joyce Doherty, and together they raised four children in Wakefield Massachusetts. Their blessed marriage lasted 57 years until Joyce passed away in 2018. Peter and Joyce spent the first 25 years of their life together driving their children to soccer, tennis, baseball, basketball and - especially - hockey games.

Peter began his business career in management at New England Telephone Company in Boston. Switching careers, he first purchased a stationary manufacturing company in his hometown of Reading before then going on to also establish a successful horticulture supply business. During that time, he was awarded two patents for his innovations in horticultural products. Peter eventually retired in 2013, dedicating his time to volunteerism.

Peter and Joyce sold their home in Wakefield in 1989 and moved year-round to their summer home in Rockport. Once settled, they became active members of the Rockport community. Among his many contributions, Peter was a proud member of the Board of Appeals for 30 years, serving in various roles, including Chairman. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Sandy Bay Historical Society, which allowed him to pursue his passion for history. For 24 years, he was deeply involved with the Thacher and Straitsmouth Island Association, serving as Vice Chairman for 15 of those years. Peter cherished the "brotherhood" he formed with the many friends who helped restore and maintain these beautiful islands. Afternoons at Old Garden and Cape Hedge Beach with his family and faithful white golden retriever Shannon were also among his greatest joys.

Peter was predeceased by his beloved son, Scott. He is survived by his children, their spouses and his grandchildren: Steven (Katherine) Bergholtz of Wenham Massachusetts, (Erica) Bergholtz of Wakefield Massachusetts, Jeffrey (Nancy) Bergholtz of Naples Florida and Amy and (David) Jones of Hamilton Massachusetts. He was a devoted grandfather to Spencer, Sheridan, Riley, Annie, Jillian, Lindsay, Scott Bergholtz Jr., and Henry, William and Nathaniel Jones. He is also survived by his companion Caroline Bochman.

A celebration of Peter's life overlooking Thacher Island will be held at Bass Rocks Golf Club in Gloucester Massachusetts, on May 7, 2025, from 11:30 am -2:30 pm. Friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may make a donation in Peter's memory to: Thacher & Straitsmouth Island Association, PO Box 73, Rockport, MA 01966

Celebration of life at Bass Rocks Golf Club in Gloucester, MA on May 7th from 11:30AM-2:30PM with lunch and drinks.