by Debbie Tuma
Richard Gary Peltonen, of Amagansett, passed away on August 27 at Stony Brook University Hospital, following complications from a broken leg. He would have been 82 on his birthday, October 10.
Richard, better known as “Richie,” was a long-time fisherman and mate on many boats during his life. He worked as a mate on several Montauk charter boats for different captains, including my father Capt. Bob Tuma on the “Dawn,” Capt. Phil Lewis on the “Adios,” and for Capt. Bob Bozek on the “Dawn II.” Prior to coming to Montauk Peltonen worked on private boats in Palm Beach, and also resided in Daytona Beach, Florida. “Richie was a very knowledgeable fisherman,” said Captain Skip Rudolph, who now owns the “Adios” charter boat. “When you needed a mate in a pinch, he would be there for you. Richie was also excellent at diamond jigging, and he could fix reels, and had a lot of history on fishing boats.”
Peltonen loved to hang out with his fishing friends at Salivar’s Restaurant and Bar, and was also a regular at the Shagwong Tavern in Montauk. He also liked animals and rummage sales.
Bob Bozek, of Oceanside, LI and Florida, recalled Peltonen as “one of the best mates I ever had.” “People loved him and asked for him,” he said. “And I used to laugh when he took his tips and bought Scratch-off tickets at the deli, scratching away for hours.”
Kevin Logie, a bartender at the Shagwong Tavern, recalled that Peltonen “loved his cat and his Quick Draw.” His black cat, named Mia, is now up for adoption at The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) and needs a good home. “Richie pretty much kept to himself, and had given up drinking,” said Logie. “The only time he ever had a beer was on his birthday. He just drank water.”
Richard Gary Peltonen was born in Manhattan, to Ahti and Annikka Peltonen of Finland, who immigrated via Ellis Island. His father worked for Eastman Kodak company, and his mother was an artist. They later lived in the Bronx.
Richard Peltonen is survived by his daughter, Alison Owens, of Daytona Beach, Florida, and his granddaughter, Makenna Owens, of East Lansing, Michigan.
A burial at sea will be held at a future date, and Memorial Donations may be sent to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, 124 Daniels Hole Road, East Hampton, NY 11937, www.arfhamptons.org.