Joseph Roy Peet, embraced life to the fullest
I'd prefer not to think of this as an obituary but as a short story about my son's life journey written by me...his very proud mom.
Joseph “Joey” Roy Peet was born into our family April 6, 1990. Upon his arrival, he became our fourth son. Although Joey was a full-term baby, he appeared weaker than his brothers did when they came into this world. He had trouble feeding and was diagnosed with developmental delays when he was just eight days old.
Once Joey gained the ability to take in nourishments, along with stimulation and encouragement, provided by his older brothers, he started to thrive, and we never looked back. His bravery, perseverance, and ability to embrace life to the fullest, regardless of its challenges, taught us all how to play this game of life with the deck of cards you are dealt and be joyful and thankful for every day.
Joey became a well-known member of this community, as he never missed a game or event that his brothers were involved in. He was their biggest fan. He was also the loudest clapper when they would score or make a great play. Later his loyalty would transfer to watching his nieces and nephews as they entered the sports world. Our community was a fan of Joey too. There were many occasions when they would clap and cheer him on as he learned to walk or conquer a new skill.
Although Joey was non-verbal and had limited mobility, it never stopped him from participating in and enjoying life. He also had no trouble letting his presence be known wherever he went. He loved being the center of attention and had a very flirtatious nature, which he would use to meet and win over any girls he met. This skill earned Joey the nickname "Squints" (after the boy in the movie “Sandlot”) from his brothers. He would often hug his brothers' wives and just smile, look at them like, "Yep she likes me, I'm getting some love and there is nothing you can do about that.” Joey's smile was broad, his laughter infectious and he could give the tightest hugs to anyone who got too close to him.
Joey attended Howard T. Ennis for 18 years, where he was an Eagle. He is proof that those Eagles really do earn their wings and fly under the guidance of that amazing staff. After graduation, Joey attended Delaware Mentor, where he met his most beloved assistant Miss Diana, or his guardian angel on earth is what Tom and I call her. She provided support through the COVID period by coming to our house to spend time with Joey and keep him engaged in learning while staying safe. About one year ago Joey started to attend the day program at Chimes. Socially, he blossomed and made many new friends. He would scoot himself around the facility using his transport chair and kept everyone entertained with his sweetness or orneriness, depending on the day. His smile was even brighter when it was a “Chimes Day."
Tom and I will always be grateful for the compassion of that staff and their acceptance of every individual who attends their program. With their guidance, our son and his peers can enjoy each day safely while hanging with their friends and getting time away from mom and dad. In his free time, Joey enjoys riding horses at Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding. I suggest you stop by sometime to witness the connection between a horse, the instructor, side walkers, and most importantly, the rider. I have witnessed many magical moments watching my son and many others beam with self-confidence and pride as they stride around the ring riding on a horse, giggling with joy while feeling free from all their restrictions. Most of all, Joey loved his family and was honored to be called "Uncle Joe" by his three nephews and three nieces.
Our world is going to be dimmer without Joey here with us. He has touched so many lives in his 34 years. I hope part of him will live on in all the hearts he invaded along the way. Maybe his ways will inspire someone to smile at a stranger, give a random hug to someone, or just be kind. By learning to accept everyone for who they are, we can find the beauty they have to offer in making our world a better place
Joey is survived by his parents, Thomas J. Peet Sr. and Susan Engel Peet; three brothers, Thomas J. Peet Jr. (Stefania) of Milford, Jeffrey E. Peet (Allison) of Harbeson, and Steven C. Peet (Marybeth) of Lewes; nephews, T.J. Peet, Nolan Peet and Jordan Peet; nieces, Annie Peet, Lillian Peet and Kaelynn Peet; grandparents, Jamie Nachman of Lewes, and Lola Peet of Essington, Pa., and a very special great-aunt, Kathy Engel of Milford.
A celebration of Joey’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where visitation will begin at 10 a.m.
Anyone unable to attend the services may view the livestream at: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11676108/LTWebcast.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding, P.O. Box 219, Nassau, DE 19969, Attn: Howard T. Ennis Riders Program.
Visit Joey’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
