Paul A. Peck
Rear Admiral Paul Arthur Peck October 22, 1926 - October 8, 2008 Resident of Walnut Creek Navy Rear Admiral Paul Arthur Peck passed away peacefully at age 81 surrounded by his family. He was raised in Birmingham, MI, and entered the Navy shortly after his High School graduation in June 1944. He remained on active duty for 34 years until his retirement in August of 1978. Paul was selected for flight training in 1945, received his wings in 1947, and was commissioned an Ensign in 1948. He served on several aircraft carrier squadrons and logged some 6,000 hours of flight time and 1,000 carrier landings. In his career he was awarded two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star with Combat "V", 21 Air Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal and several other decorations. He was selected for the rank of Captain in 1971 and reported as Commanding Officer of the USS Dubuque (LPD-8). He was later selected for command of an aircraft carrier and was ordered to the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) as Commanding Officer in November 1972. In 1974 he assumed the rank of Rear Admiral and was assigned to the staff of the Commander in Chief of the Atlantic. In 1976, he received orders to report as Commander Carrier Group 3, home ported in Alameda, CA. Admiral Peck's educational background consists of a bachelor of science degree, Summa Cum Laude from Northwestern University, and a juris doctorate from the University of San Diego. He attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI, the DOD Computer Institute in Washington, DC, and the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA, among other service and civilian schools. After retirement from the Navy in 1978, the Pecks resided in Oakland and Walnut Creek. Paul was a member of the California and Federal BAR and specialized in estate planning practice and business law. He also served as an Adjunct Professor for the Naval War College from 1990 to 1995. RADM Peck served on the Boards of several corporations and as National Director of the Navy League. He was also a founder of the Association of Naval Aviation and a member of the Far East Society of San Francisco. RADM Peck married the love of his life, Betty Mae Zeunert-Smith, in 1949. She supported him for 23 different moves throughout the U.S. during the course of their 30-year naval career. They were blessed with three daughters. Survivors include two daughters, Pamela and Linda; and three grandchildren: Jordan, Sophie, and Adam. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and greatly loved by his family. He touched the lives of many people. A Memorial service will be held Nov. 22, 2008, 11am, Hull's Walnut Creek Chapel. HULL'S WALNUT CREEK CHAPEL 925.934.5400 www.hullschapel.com