Peter Armas Laine's Obituary
Peter Armas Laine, 86, passed away March 5, 2024 in Palatka, Florida. Peter was born and raised in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He lived in a Finnish neighborhood, and had many friends that are still close today. He was active in sports, despite his small size. He loved telling stories about his escapades with his buddies. Some that are pretty hard to believe! He talked of his years in elementary school, and said that his hardest time was the three years in 3rd grade. Kidding of course! Peter attended Worcester Jr. College and The University of Miami, where he was on the swim team. He received his Bachelor's degree in Business. He then went on to get his Master’s degree at Keene State.
Peter started his professional career in Fitchburg at Stevens Business College. He went on to start Nathaniel Hawthorne College. He then went with Frank D. Dietro to start Franklin Pierce University. He remained friends with many of his former students. Peter traveled a lot recruiting students for colleges, and later for Schuyler Academy where he was the headmaster.
Peter was a talented watercolor artist. He painted with a group of very interesting artists out of St. Augustine. He was inspired by tug boats, lighthouses, and seascapes. He loved classical music, especially Jean Sibelius, a Finnish composer. He would listen to Finnish Polka music every Sunday, and would love to play it loud when his children were teenagers.
Peter married Judy in 1965 after meeting at Mass Mental Health where she was a student nurse. Kind of an appropriate place for them to meet! Peter loved his children, Seth Laine of Salt Springs FL, Sara Laine of Palm Coast FL, his twin son’s Jared Laine of Silverthorne CO and Jason Laine of Boseman MO. He was very proud of them. He enjoyed doing art with his very special granddaughter, Hannah Laine of Palm Coast FL. She called him Grumpy. Peter was a very talented man with many very close friends that he spoke to on a daily & weekly basis. He will be missed greatly.
A celebration of his life will be held on 3-13-2024 at Integra Woods Palm Coast FL. For more information please contact Sara Laine
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