Adult

Following the service, there will be a reception for those who would like to gather and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of the following charities:

• Wesleyan Aquarium Club ℅ Covenant Methodist Church, 300 Marshall Ave., Lafayette, LA 70508;
• The Gibson Center for Senior Services, 14 Grove St. – P.O. Box 655 North Conway, NH 03860-0655;
• Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1842, North Conway, NH 03860;
• Way Station (homeless resource and outreach for Mt Washington Valley & Carroll County), P.O. Box 1888, North Conway, NH 03860.

From Pete’s family: — Our dad touched so many lives with his kindness, warmth and unforgettable sense of humor.  A copy of his obituary, which we hope captures his spirit and accomplishments, is below.

We know he would have cherished the chance for his friends and family to come together.  We also understand the difficulty that travelling may pose.  Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions about travel, accommodations, etc.

Thank you for keeping our dad and family in your thoughts during this difficult time.  We look forward to seeing you and/or hearing from you as we honor his memory.

With warmest regards — Beth Fliss and Scott Canty

January 28, 1947- November 2, 2024

Donald Peter Canty was born January 28, 1947 in Newton, Massachusetts, and grew up in Sudbury, Massachusetts.  He was the eldest son of Frank and Polly, and the older brother to Bill and Phil.

 

Peter graduated from Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School in 1964, and from Boston College in 1969 with a B.S. in Geology.  While in college, Peter met and fell in love with Nancy Greenleaf. He pursued graduate courses at the University of Vermont while Nancy was an undergraduate student there.  They were married at the Martha Mary Chapel in Sudbury in 1972, and moved to Louisiana shortly thereafter.

 

Peter was one of only two geologists hired by Exxon in 1973.  Set apart by his exceptional skill and work ethic, Peter rose in the ranks of Exxon for several years before going to work for Stone Energy Corporation in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1981.  He designed and implemented the strategy that led to the successful development and growth of the company. He became President and, later, Chief Executive Officer of Stone, as well as a member of the Board of Directors until his retirement in 2004.

Peter and Nancy raised their two children, Scott and Beth in Lafayette, and were actively involved in the community.  They were devoted members of the United Methodist Church of the Covenant, where Peter sang in the choir and regularly attended Sunday School meetings with the Wesleyan bible study group.

Although Peter came to have a great appreciation for Cajun culture and cared deeply for the many friends he and Nancy made in Louisiana, he never lost his love for New England.  Upon his retirement in 2004, he and Nancy spent half of their time in Jackson, New Hampshire.  After Nancy passed away in August, 2017, Peter moved to Jackson full time.

Peter met Karen DiGregorio of Conway, New Hampshire in 2017, and they were married in Bar Harbor, Maine in August, 2024.  Though their marriage was cut tragically short, Peter was exuberant about spending the rest of his days with Karen.

Peter was so many things to so many people: a loving husband, a devoted father, a doting grandfather and step-grandfather, a supportive brother and friend, a devout Christian, and a die-hard Red Sox fan.  He loved to travel to visit family and friends, and had a special love of his ancestral homeland of Ireland.  With a passion for investing in the future and quiet generosity, Peter gave his time and energy to various charitable organizations in Louisiana, New Hampshire, and beyond.  When he wasn’t spending time lovingly caring for his yard in Jackson or his property in Shelburne, New Hampshire, he could be found doing woodworking projects, creating beautiful pieces of furniture to last for future generations.

Peter is survived by his wife, Karen DiGregorio-Canty of Jackson, New Hampshire, his son Scott Peter Canty and wife Annaliis Canty of Alexandria, Virginia; his daughter Elizabeth Canty Fliss and husband Adam Fliss of San Rafael, California; his six grandchildren Daniel Canty, Malcolm Canty, Thomas Canty, Jack Fliss, Annabel Fliss and Drew Fliss; his brothers, William Canty and Phillip Canty; his step-daughters Sterling Day of Manchester, New Hampshire and Kelley Riley of Manchester New Hampshire; and his step-grandchildren Leah, Atticus, Scarlett and Ayinna.  He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Peter Canty and his mother, Harriet Puffer Canty.

Peter lived authentically, humbly and generously.  He leaves a legacy of good humor, hard work and love for his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Jackson Community Church at 12:00pm on December 7th.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of the following charities:

Wesleyan Aquarium Club ℅ Covenant Methodist Church, 300 Marshall Ave., Lafayette, LA 70508; The Gibson Center for Senior Services, 14 Grove St. – P.O. Box 655 North Conway, NH 03860-0655; Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1842, North Conway, NH 03860; Way Station Homeless Assistance, P.O. Box 1888, North Conway, NH 03860.