Danville - Peter Jonathan Wigley, 63 years of age, died suddenly on January 9, 2010 of heart failure at Maine Medical Center. He was born on April 30, 1946 to Hilda E. and Kenneth L Wigley in Portland, Maine. Peter lived in Brunswick early in his life, and despite very significant hearing impairment, with the support and advocacy of his family, he attended public schools and was one of the early recipients of speech therapy at school and in the home. Peter often commented on how fortunate he was to be in a mainstreamed program and the importance of the services that he received.
In 1960 his family moved to Buxton and he graduated from Bonnie Eagle High School in 1964. After graduating from the University of Southern Maine in 1968, he taught High School briefly in Buckfield, Maine. Soon after, he started working at the Maine Department of Human Services in the Lewiston-Auburn area. During his long career at DHS, Peter provided caring services as a Child Protective Worker and Supervisor. All that knew him will attest to his commitment to helping children and families, his dedication to training new casework staff, and ensure quality services were provided. Peter never lost his interest in educating others, and occasionally taught classes at Central Maine Technical College.
Peter was a man with many and varied interests. He read voraciously, was a skilled writer, photographer, interesting conversationalist and had a profound love of music. Since his retirement from DHS last year, he dedicated even more of his time to listening and supporting live music. Long known as a stellar Grateful Dead fan, Peter loved many types of music including Bluegrass, County and the Blues.
Peter is survived by his ex-wife and long term confidant Karen Edgecomb of Saco, Maine, his daughter Jennifer Holsinger and her husband Eric, and his grandson Delsin Holsinger of Saco, his stepson Sean Coffey of Boston, Mass., his mother Hilda E. Wigley of Westbrook, Maine, his sister Jane Richard and her husband Raymond of Westbrook, his nieces Kristina Larkin and fiancé Grady Moore of Ooltewah, Tenn., Stephanie Larkin of Cumberland, Maine, a nephew Alex Larkin of Westbrook, Maine, several great nieces and a large circle of caring friends. He was predeceased by his father, Kenneth L. Wigley in 1974. Peter will be missed by all.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday January 13 at 2PM in the Old St. Paul's Parrish 279 Congress St. Portland. A memorial service will also be held on Saturday January 16 from 2 to 4 pm at the Fortin Group 217 Turner St. in Auburn. Interment will be at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Jones, Rich, and Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland.
Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home
199 Woodford St.
Portland, ME 04103
207-775-3763
