Peter Worcester Gustavsen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father grandfather and friend, Peter “Petah” Gustavsen on September 28, 2025. He wanted to make it to his 90th birthday and there was never a challenge he didn’t take and, of course, he made it to 90 when he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Peter was born on September 23, 1935, in Medford, Massachusetts. He graduated from Medford High and Northeastern University in Boston. While attending high school in Medford, Peter caught the eye of, and somehow wooed Joan Hayes who was in middle school. From their initial courtship, the two were inseparable. They married 10 years later and were married for 65 years. She was the love of his life.

Peter’s professional career was always focused on the food service business whereas a youth he worked summers as a supermarket bagger in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. After college, he would choose to build his career in the food industry. This career took his family all over the country and over the course of 12 moves they ended up in Boise where he retired as the Vice President of Distribution at Albertson’s.

He had a passion for sports and competition! From his championship tennis days at Cottonwood Country Club in Utah and his love for golf at Crane Creek and De Anza Country Clubs, he loved to compete. There wasn’t a card game or chess match that he would walk away from. His love of sports lived on in his children and grandchildren. Their sports and activities were a major part of his life. He was his children’s coach and biggest cheerleader alongside Joan. Boston and Boise were his identifying homes and cities which people think of if they knew Peter or ever heard Joan’s accent. His love of the Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins was legendary and inherited by his children and grandchildren.

Peter will be missed but his impact on the lives of his loved ones is undeniable. He didn’t have to give advice because he led by example. His stories of his childhood and as a young adult made his children appreciate what he and Joan provided them with. He was the epitome of hard work and where it could get you.

Peter was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, a proud father, adoring grandfather and great friend to those who crossed paths with him and Joan. His humor, quick wit, and generous heart were defining characteristics. He was blunt, to the point and didn’t allow you to have excuses for failures. The world he shared with his family and friends was a better place for everyone associated with him simply because he was in it. If you were family or somehow connected to his family, then you felt his presence and you felt his impact on your life. His presence was a source of comfort and strength and he made the world brighter for those lucky enough to know him.

Peter is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Joan, son Geof and wife Angela of Wilmington, Delaware, son Andy and wife Cindy of Boise, daughter Jennie and husband Eric of Seattle, Washington and son Jay and wife Paige of Boise. His grandchildren Evan, Tanner, Cal, Jolie, Maxine, Peyton, Millie, Maggie, Joseph, Isaac and Chloe have lost a best friend but had the privilege of a role model and constant reminder of what is good in the world.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate nurses and staff at A Caring Hand Home Health Care and All Care Health Solutions and Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness during Peter’s final months. A celebration of life is being planned by the family for a future date.