Matthew C. Peeler, 88, of Ashby

Matthew C. Peeler, 88, of Ashby, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, July 6, 2026, at the Highlands. Matt arrived into this world on January 12, 1938, in Fitchburg, son of the late Charles and Margaret (Briggs) Peeler. Matt grew up in Ashburnham, was a graduate of Templeton High School and Stockbridge Agricultural School. In September of 1962, Matt married the love of his life, Nancy Leonard. Together, they moved to Ashby in 1963, started a family, and quickly became part of the bedrock of the Ashby community. Matt operated a dairy farm in Ashby eventually purchasing their forever Main Street home in 1971. Later, Matt went to work for Peterborough Oil Company, where he drove trucks for more than 30 years, receiving a Million-Mile Safety Award for Outstanding Performance as a professional driver. In 1982, Matt started Ashby Oil Company with Dick Catalini, which they owned until retirement in 2006. Matt loved to travel, enjoying multiple river cruises throughout Europe, trips to England, Ireland, and, most recently, Brazil. The Peelers loved camping, especially summer visits to Greenfield State Park with the Ashby Gang, annual trips to Florida visiting their many friends and family up and down the east coast, and for more than 20 years, at their seasonal site in Wells, ME. Matt enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Wolf Rockers in Mason, NH, for decades. Matt was an active member of the Charles W. Moore Lodge for 60 years; he was a retired member of the volunteer Ashby Fire Department; he was a member of both the Star & Compass Club and the Ashby Grange; he was an active member of the Ashby Congregational Church; and he drove for Meal on Wheels well into his 80s. Matt’s contributions to the wider Ashby community are legendary. He will be remembered for his incredible and unyielding work ethic, his dedication to his faith, family, and friends, his love of life, and his welcoming smile, and tender personality. Besides his parents, and stepmother, Helene, who raised him from a toddler, Matt was predeceased by his wife of 60 years Nancy (2022), his son Eric Peeler (1999), and his twin brother Robert Peeler (2024). He leaves his daughter Pamela Peeler of Ashby, his sister Susan Dean of Virginia, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends across the globe. Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, July 18, at the Ashby Congregational Church, 21 New Ipswich Road, followed by burial at Glenwood Cemetery. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 PM, Friday, July 17, at Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main Street, Townsend. For further information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.andersonfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Matt’s memory may be made to the Ashby Congregational Church, PO Box 126, Ashby, MA 01431, or the Ashby Fire and EMS Association, 1093 Main Street, Ashby, MA 01431.

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Matthew C. Peeler, 88, of Ashby

January 12, 1938 - July 6, 2026