Peter C. Wachtel

Poestenkill - Peter C. Wachtel, 89, of Ott Street passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at his residence with his loving family at his side. 

Born in Troy, Peter was the son of the late James and Mary Vandekerckhove Wachtel and the beloved husband of Shirley Booth Wachtel who passed away on March 8, 2024. Peter grew up in Sycaway and was a graduate of Catholic High. Peter retired from New York Telephone Company in Albany where he had been a mechanic.  Peter and Shirley had resided on Circle Drive in Poestenkill from 1968-1999. One of his favorite pastimes was gardening and raising livestock. 

Shirley and Peter loved to dance in the Tamarac Twirlers Square Dance Club, where they laughed and enjoyed great times with their friends. In 1998 Peter and Shirley became travelers throughout the country in their motorhome, where they followed the NASCAR circuit. After that they became snowbirds traveling back and forth from East Poestenkill in the summer to Florida the rest of the year. When in Florida, they ran the campground kitchen in Homosassa. Peter was a past member of the Troy Masonic Temple. Peter enjoyed snowmobiling, was a passionate Jets fan, a serious NASCAR Fan and would look forward to being at the Daytona 500 every year. Some of his most joyful times were spent at family gatherings of holidays and clam steams.

Survivors include his children Peter F. (Patricia) Wachtel and Charles J. (Jami) Wachtel both of Poestenkill, Deborah M. (John) Gilday of Nashua, NH and Dawn A. Wachtel of Poestenkill, 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren and his feline companion Kitty. Peter was the brother of the late James J. and Sr. Martha A. Wachtel (CSJ) and Mary Ellen Carabis.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10am to 12noon on Saturday April 13, 2024 at the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel 2691 NY 43 in Glass Lake Averill Park.  A short service and inurnment will follow at St. Henry’s Cemetery Averill Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Peter and Shirley to Rensselaer County Dept. of Aging Home Delivered Meals Program 99 Troy Road East Greenbush, NY 12061 or the Community Hospice Gift Processing Center 310 S Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208.

Visit www.perrykomdat.com for directions and a guestbook.