SEARSPORT — Lifelong Midcoast resident Peter Dennis Haddock passed away peacefully at his Searsport home on March 5, 2025, with his daughter, Jen Haddock, and close friends by his side. He was 85 ½ years old (he insisted the “½” be included).

Peter was happiest on the water, whether cruising around Penobscot Bay or far beyond its bounds. His adventurous spirit led him to complete three Transatlantic crossings, sailing trips to and from the Caribbean, several Marion-Bermuda races, and a double-handed Newport-Bermuda race (with his daughter, Jen). Fellow sailors may have spotted him at the helm of Squally, Aya, Schedar, Roaring Bull, or Minnow over the years. One memorable moment saw Peter and friends conspiring for a photo during playful “raid” during a routine Coast Guard safety inspection on Schedar. Complete with finger guns, the staged photo made its way into the Belfast Republican Journal and only solidified Peter’s reputation for being good-natured and full of humor.

Born to Virginia Eberhardt and Roger Haddock, Peter grew up in Belfast with his sister, Peggy Smith. As a young boy, he often delivered newspapers with his pet Newfoundland, Prince. After school, you could find him lobster fishing or getting into mischief with his best friend, Jenness Robbins. Peter attended Tabor Academy and later graduated from Penn State University with a degree in mechanical engineering, followed by a master’s degree in business from the University of Connecticut.

Peter’s career was marked by ambition and innovation. Early on, he worked at United Aircraft, in Connecticut, developing heat tiles that would later be used on the Space Shuttle. He returned to Maine in 1968 to join the family window business, Mathews Bros., working alongside his uncle, Charlie Lang, and eventually co-leading the company with John Hawthorne. Peter’s employees remember him fondly for his personal interest in each of them, his bad jokes, and his self-deprecating humor, which created a lighthearted atmosphere at work.

Peter retired in 1996 and continued to stay active, participating in the Cruising Club of America and the Buck's Harbor Yacht Club. He often said, “I don’t know which is more fun, getting the boat ready or being out on it!” In his retirement, he built homes, enjoyed his boats, and traveled with his daughter to destinations such as Greenland, Norway, and Manitoba, in search of polar bears (with only one sighting).

A dedicated community member, Peter served on the board of Waldo County General Hospital for over 30 years and supported many other local organizations.

Peter is survived by his loving companions over the years, including Salli Haddock, Anna Cassett, and Joanne Davis. He was a man of joy and laughter, known for his infectious smile, love of lobster dinners, and appreciation of a beautiful sunset over the bay. His presence is deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Belfast Boathouse. Friends and acquaintances are welcome to join.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Waldo County Action Partners, the Waldo County Woodshed, Maine Maritime Academy’s Schooner Bowdoin, or an organization of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com