Peter Dean Newell

Peter Dean Newell crossed over peacefully at home with his beloved wife Jenny and their three dogs, on July 25, 2025. Pete met Jenny at the Weirs in 1974. Having kept track of her for decades, Pete looked her up and they reunited after 30 years and finally married in 2014, together at last! Pete was born in Wolfeboro, NH to Donald Frances Newell and Beverly Anderson Newell on November 28, 1948. He was predeceased by his brother Lyn Newell.

Pete grew up in Laconia and Belmont, NH, and loved the summers he spent with his grandparents in Dixfield, Maine and at their farm in Meredith. He was a superior athlete and played football for Laconia High, Berwick Academy and UNH. And everyone remembers him as the Pizza Man for the time he worked at the Weirs, especially during Bike Weeks. He attended UNH, the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, received an Associate’s degree from Manchester VocTec in plumbing and HVAC, and spent 9 years working at the Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia.

Volunteering for the Army, Pete spent two tours in Vietnam from 1969-1971, based in Danang and Chu-Lei, often on the front lines. He worked to set up the first computerized communication center and loved to hitchhike to see the country, the ocean and meet the local people. 

Returning from Vietnam, Pete became active at the Laconia VFW Post 1670, becoming Commander. Along with the Meredith Legion, the Mount Rushmore Flag, measuring 50’ X 100’ was brought by train and plane to NH. In a Meredith field, the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall was displayed August 23-29, 1995 and was visited by over 70,000 people. The final salute to Comrade Peter D. Newell from VFW Post 1670 read “We mourn the loss of Peter, a proud Native American, dedicated Vietnam Veteran and relentless advocate for those who needed a voice…He left behind a legacy of compassion, leadership and unwavering service…Peter was more than a veteran, he was a cornerstone in our community who dedicated his life to lifting others up. Pete’s big heart and even bigger presence made an indelible mark.”

Pete was a proud Penobscot Native American and Chief of the NH Intertribal Native American Council for years. During that time, many Pow Wows were held, most notably at Saco River in North Conway and Wells Maine. He drove food baskets to the people on the Penobscot reservation every Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. Pete co-established the Native American Toy Fund and filled truckloads with toys for the five Maine reservations’ children each Christmas. To honor the Old Man of the Mountain, Pete and his drum, Mountain Spirit, drummed at the base the morning after the Old Man fell. As Chief and respected Elder, Pete performed Native weddings, funerals, namings, and passing over ceremonies. He spearheaded fundraising for the Native American Monument on the Memorial Walkway at the Veterans Cemetary in Boscawen, NH, which was dedicated on November 13, 2010. In 2014, Peter was asked to drum for Chester Nez, the last surviving Codetalker, such an honor. 

Pete helped establish Chapter 1 of the Combat Veteran's Motorcycle Association and was its president for years. Its main goal was to help veterans who needed assistance with food, funds, fuel, wood…anything. Many fundraisers and motorcycle runs raised that money. Pete was on the first NH Commission on Native American Affairs and assisted in many repatriations. He brought his Special Olympics basketball team to many victories and championships.

 And who could forget Pete’s wonderful laugh? Everyone loved Pete, and Pete loved them back. A humble man, he brought a quiet strength, dignity, compassion and love of life wherever he went. He loved to sit on his deck and talk to the crows, coyotes and any animal that crossed his path. And they stopped and listened to him. And how he loved his dogs! He will be missed by so many. He is survived by his loving wife Jenny, brother Michael Newell, sister Susan Newell Montmagny and many nieces and nephews.

 A Military Funeral Honor Ceremony and burial will take place at the Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at a future date. Arrangements by Lord Funeral Home, Ossipee, NH. A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, August 16th from noon to four at Pete and Jenny’s home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mount Washington Valley Adult Day Center, 987 East Main Street, Center Conway, NH 03813.

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