Obituary of Peter Havelick

Peabody, November 19, 2008. Peter Havelick, 85, of Peabody, beloved husband of Frances Havelick of Peabody, died Wednesday evening at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington. Born in St. Clair, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Charles and Anna (Ilitsky) Havelick. He graduated from St. Clair High School where he played football. Drafted into the army, he served with the Texas 36th Division initially landing in North Africa at the beginning of the American involvement in Europe in World War II. He was promoted into Intelligence in the 141st Regiment, 3rd Battalion and participated in five military campaigns. He was one of only a handful of survivors of the Rapido River Massacre in Italy in 1944. During his military career he was awarded two Bronze Stars and his unit was given a Presidential Citation for extraordinary heroism. He spent one year in a military hospital following the war. He came to Boston where he attended Boston State College and was employed by General Electric Company for 36 years. In addition to his loving wife of over 60 years, he is survived by three daughters, former model and best selling author Diane Irons of Wakefield, Stephanie Havelick and Leah Penley, both of Peabody and by Paul Havelick of Hamilton, also survived by five grandchildren, Kirk Irons of Wakefield, and Amber, Sarah, Katrina and Rebecca Penley, all of Peabody. He was the grandfather of the late Keith Irons. His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 9:30 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a graveside service at 10:00 AM at the Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held TODAY from 5:00 until 8:00 PM.