Peter John Ste. Marie, Sr.
June 1, 1963 – April 24, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Peter John Ste. Marie, Sr., 61, of North Troy, Vermont, who left us too soon on April 24, 2025.

Pete was born on June 1, 1963, in Newport, Vermont, to Paul and Normande (Jean) Ste. Marie. He grew up steeped in the traditions of the Northeast Kingdom — a place whose values of hard work, neighborly care, and perseverance shaped every piece of the man he became.

A proud graduate of North Country High School's class of 1982, Pete wore his Falcon football jersey for four years with grit and fierce pride, building lifelong friendships on and off the field.

In 1980, Pete met the love of his life, Cathryn Judd. Together, they built a partnership grounded in loyalty, strength, and a love that turned hardships into triumphs. They married on March 24, 1984, and made their home in North Troy, working together in the family business: Ste. Marie's Market. What began as a butcher tradition in 1896 had grown into a community cornerstone, run through three generations — a legacy Pete was proud to carry until 2001. More than a storekeeper, Pete was a trusted neighbor, a jokester behind the counter, and an expert meat cutter whose craftsmanship fed countless families.

Family was the true center of Pete's heart. He and Cathryn filled their house — and their lives — with seven wonderful children: Peter Jr., Deana, Nicole, Benjamin, Katie, Noah, and Lydia. In time, his heart grew even fuller with the arrival of eleven beloved grandchildren: Andrew, Jordan, Jazmyn, Angelyna, Hailey, Jillian, Rayna, Reagan, Avery, Ryder, and Aubrey. To them, he was Dad, or Pepere — a steady presence full of unconditional love, a warm hug, and quick wit.

Pete wore many titles well — Dad, Pepere, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend — but perhaps what defined him most was the generosity of his spirit. Whether delivering skiers to Jay Peak, expertly carving a side of beef, or simply lending a needed hand, Pete showed up for people — quietly, humbly, and without need for thanks.

He took great pride in his family's history in the Northeast Kingdom and in Jay Peak's founding, where the Ste. Marie name remains part of the area's proud story and fabric.

Pete is survived by his soulmate and wife of 41 years, Cathryn; his children Peter (PJ) Ste. Marie Jr., Deana and husband Alan Reardon, Nicole, Benjamin, Katie and partner Tanner Starr, Noah and fiancé Sabina Jacobs, and Lydia and fiancé Mason Marquis; his cherished eleven grandchildren; his mother, Normande ("Norma") Ste. Marie; and mother-in-law, Nancy Allen, six siblings: Dennis Ste. Marie and fiancé Suzy Earley, Susan and Raymond Demers, Cathy and Donald LeBlanc, Christine and Brian Taylor, Greg and Julie Ste. Marie, James Ste. Marie and three sisters-in-law: Kelley Soland, Tracey Stankus and Julie Allen. His memory will also live on in his twelve nieces and nephews and their families and beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Paul Ste. Marie; his in-laws Larry and Diane (Carter) Judd and Charles Williamson-Allen; his brother-in-law, David Judd; his nephew, Aaron Demers, his "boy" Jeremy Maxwell, and best friend Doug Medley.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 1, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Derby, Vt. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 2, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Troy, Vermont. We will then proceed to the cemetery in North Troy. Following the internment, all are warmly invited to join the family for refreshments and remembrance at the Sacred Heart church hall.

Though Pete's hands are now at rest, his spirit will remain in the laughter around a crowded table, the crisp air atop Jay Peak, and in every quiet act of devotion carried forward by the family and community he loved so deeply. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.  On-line condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com.