OTISFIELD — Gordon Peaco, 79, of Otisfield died Sunday, Nov. 20 at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born in Otisfield on April 23, 1932, the son of Linley D. and Pearl Haley Peaco.

He graduated from Norway High School in 1950 and from Bates College in 1954 with a major in Economics and minors in English/Speech and Social Studies. That fall he began teaching English and Mathematics at Washington Academy in East Machias, and got married at Christmas time to June Johnson of South Bridgton. In 1955 he began teaching English and Social Studies at Casco High School. During his time there he directed the senior play and commencement exercises. He taught for a short time at Oxford High School before becoming principal at Dixfield for grades 5 through 8 and high school. In 1964 he and his wife relocated to Littleton, N.H. where he taught senior English for three years. In 1968 they moved back to Maine where he became principal at Searsport District Junior and High Schools. While in Searsport, because of his and his wife’s interest in the theater, they were instrumental in establishing, “The Ebb Tide Players,” for which he performed and did most of the directing.

He retired in 1988 but for several years worked for the Maine Principal’s Association, setting up and running the Regional and State Drama Festivals. He also worked for the Census Bureau for a few years. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Deertrees Theatre and Cultural Center and served as President of the Board for many years. He was also a member of The Lake Region Community Theater.

He was active with the Town of Otisfield, serving on the budget committee and scholarship committee as well as being a member of the Otisfield Historical Society. He was the dam keeper for Saturday Pond. He was a member of the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and a Moderator and a member of the Oxford County Education Association.

He is survived by two daughters, Deborah Peaco of Otisfield and Penelope Peaco and her partner, Martin Lerman, of Otisfield; three sons, Daniel and Gretchen of Otisfield, Steven of Berwick, and Thomas and
Mary Jane of Durham; three grandchildren, Rebecca Beckett, Zebb and Zane Duffany; two step-grandchildren, Christine George and Deborah Moss. He was predeceased by his wife in 1995; his parents; and a sister, Barbara Perkins. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 1 p.m. at East Otisfield Free Baptist Church, with interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Otisfield. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Deertrees Theatre and Cultural Center, PO Box 577, Harrison, ME 04040.