Peter Hamblett, 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Oct. 1, 2026. A true gentleman and a gentle man, Pete was a reliable and steady presence. He was gifted storyteller who made every family gathering feel complete, and Pete laughed until he cried and cried until he laughed.

Born on Jan. 30, 1939, to Robert Burns Hamblett and Helen Kittredge Hamblett, Pete grew up in Nashua, New Hampshire where traditions were something that were instilled in him at a young age. One tradition in particular that his children and grandchildren carry on to this day is the reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” followed by the famous Christmas morning string-gift hunts. As a boy, he cherished summering in Rye, New Hampshire, where he later built a home that remained special to him throughout his life.

Pete attended Phillips Exeter Academy, where he discovered his passion for rowing—a sport he continued at the University of Pennsylvania. While home on winter break during his sophomore year of college, he met the love of his life, Suzanne Stevens, a Nashua native. From that day on, they were inseparable, sharing 65 wonderful years together until her passing in December of 2025.

Following college, Pete and Suzie moved back to New Hampshire where he began a long and distinguished career in banking. In 1994, he joined Federal Savings Bank, where he served as president until his retirement in 2005. In retirement, Pete took up woodworking and made many cherished pieces of furniture and even a stand up paddleboard. His most thoughtful pieces were hand-crafted wooden blanket chests for each grandchild upon their high school graduation.

A respected leader and role model, Pete frequently offered thoughtful advice and encouragement to members of the local business community in their professional endeavors. Wherever Pete lived or worked, he believed deeply in giving back, volunteering his time and wisdom to strengthen the community around him. Over the years, he was actively involved with numerous organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club, Strawbery Banke, Krempels Brain Injury Center, United Way, the YMCA, Channel 11 Public Television, and South Church, among many others.

An avid skier, Pete loved any mountain in New Hampshire, but held a special place in his heart for Waterville Valley and he proudly hit the slopes on his 80th birthday. Those lucky enough to ride a chairlift or ski alongside him were often serenaded with “Edelweiss.”

Petie and Sooz, as they were affectionately known, rarely missed a concert, play, or athletic game, traveling anywhere to support their family. Petie even kept a collection of baseball caps from every one of his grandchildren's teams in the trunk of his car so he could proudly display team colors or logos as their “number one fan.” Known for his ear-piercing sideline whistle, legendary bear hugs, and his unwavering presence, Petie made everyone feel accepted exactly as they were. Whenever you left him or hung up the phone, he would bid you farewell with a familiar cadence: "Watch the autos, sweet dreams hun, or make it a great day!"

Pete was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Suzie, his parents and his three brothers, Charles, David and Stephen Hamblett.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Peter Andrew “Andy” (Meagan), Jenifer (Scott Parker), Leslie (DJ Gamache), and John (Barb); thirteen cherished grandchildren; Jack, Devon, Peter, Ellie, Phoebe, Grace, Lincoln, Willy, Charlie, Helen, Johnny, Christopher, and Silas and many extended family members and dear friends.

A celebration of Pete's life will take place on Dec. 22, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Krempels Brain Injury Center, 100 Campus Drive Unit 24, Portsmouth, NH 03801.

To honor Pete's legacy, please remember to show up for the people you love, hold your traditions close, and, above all, "Make it a great day!"