Peter Ellis Brightman, 88, passed away on September 2, 2025. He was the husband of Leslie Altman.  Peter was predeceased by his parents, Milton and Elizabeth Keith (Ellis) Brightman, and by his sister Judith and brother-in-law Richard Boardman.  He was the father of Celia and her husband, Chris Downey, Adam Brightman, Nick Brightman and his wife, Sadie Danforth and Hannah and her husband Matt White.  Also surviving are his stepsons,  Christopher Altman and Timothy Altman and his wife, Renée LeFevre, and nieces Stephanie Casale and Jennifer Glockner.  He was the grandfather of Sarah Downey, Naomi, Lila, Carina, and Sahalie Brightman, Amaya Altman, and Parker Presby.
 
A lover of music, reading, woodworking, travel, bird watching, and the outdoors, Peter was a loving husband, father, uncle, and grandfather.  He was born in Boston in 1937 and grew up in Suffield, CT and Needham, MA.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Dartmouth College.  He served in the US Army for two years, stationed at Fort Gordon, GA.  Upon discharge, he earned his Master of Arts in English from Indiana University.  Peter taught secondary English for 20 years at Tabor Academy and Needham High School. He later worked as a carpenter for Boardman Builders, and in property maintenance for the Sisters of the Assumption in Petersham, MA.  He resided in Petersham for 30 years, and for the last 23 years in Yarmouth Port, MA.
 
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
 
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Peter’s name to The Nature Conservancy, The American Cancer Society, or to a charity of your choice.
 
 

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