AFA Mourns the Loss of Peter Hadley, part of the founding team of the AFA

Peter Marston Hadley

March 8, 1945 - June 28, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Peter Marston Hadley announce his passing on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the age of 80. A devoted husband, father, grandfather (Pepe), brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, succumbed to Alzheimer’s after an eight-year hard fought battle with the illness.
Peter was born March 8, 1945, in Exeter, New Hampshire, the son of the late Arthur and Rose (Tardiff). He was the fourth of six children: three sisters and two brothers.  His childhood was spent in Plaistow, New Hampshire and later in Haverhill, Massachusetts.  He was educated in both states and later attended Macintosh School of Business and Merrimack College.  He served his country for seven years in the Army Reserves 324th Data Processing Unit.  Peter was a self-made man working at Malden Mills for eighteen years starting out as an hourly employee, moved into management and later obtaining the position of Director of Quality Control.  He later went to work for Vertipile in Leominster, Massachusetts and eventually with two of his coworkers bought the flock side of the business, created an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), where employees owned a piece of the company, and became Claremont Flock.  He served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing until his retirement fifteen year ago. Peter was able to travel throughout all of Europe and Asia, meeting with customers. He felt humbled and fortunate to meet so many people across the globe, experiencing different cultures and establishing friendships he has kept to this day. He was a member of the American Flock Association and taught classes on Flock Coating at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, hoping to keep manufacturing and production interest in the United States.  He worked closely with OSHA, NASA and served on the board investigating the Malden Mill’s fire. His other love was researching the history of antiques.  He became a dealer, collector, and appraiser of Antiquities doing shows throughout New England.
Peter was an outgoing, hardworking, family man who had much faith and determination.  A firm believer in “nothing is impossible,” always curious, willing to learn and mentor.  His advice was priceless. He was well known for his great story telling ability (many with embellishments we’re sure), loyal to anyone he called a friend, always finding ways to help others with his generosity in sharing time, knowledge, money donations or simply a hand.  He enjoyed monthly poker games and luncheons with friends and former classmates.  He loved the art of a great deal but above all he was kind, honest and simply an admirable man.
He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend Donna (Regan) who never left his side for over 63 years and his two girls (as he lovingly called them) daughters Wendy E. Hadley of Salem, New Hampshire and Heather A. (Hadley) Rocha of Salem, New Hampshire who predeceased him in April of this year.  He also, leaves his son-in-law Jeffrey J. Rocha and his three cherished grandchildren, Carson, Blake, and Hadley of Salem, New Hampshire. Other surviving family include his sister Maryann Katsiane (and husband Richard), Daniel (and wife Patty), James (and wife Eileen) and he was predeceased by his older sisters Nancy Defeo in 2024 and Sheila Allen in 2017. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, New Hampshire 03087.  Calling hours are 4 to 6 PM.  Interment will be privately held.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to The Boston House (formerly the Ronald MacDonald house), 229 Kent Street, Brookline, MA 02446  which houses families and children free of charge who are having cancer treatment. This would be his wish as was his daughter Heather’s. 
It would be remiss of the Hadley Family not to mention all personnel at Aspen Hill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center along with the hospice team from Tufts Medical Care for providing the utmost nursing skill care and comfort for their patients and also their families in end of life care – Bless you for your humanity – you are truly all special people!
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com.

Services

Celebration of Life

Thursday, July 17, 2025
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Carrier Family Funeral Home
38 Range Road
Windham, New Hampshire 03087