Malcolm Curtis Peckham

Dr. Malcolm Curtis Peckham passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at his home in Freeville, New York. Malcolm was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on September 1, 1920, to Alberta and Curtis Peckham. He was self-sacrificing, generous and hard-working. He loved reminiscing with family at the dinner table. He enjoyed watching the birds from his picture window and had a deep love of nature. He spent countless hours working in his gardens and, poetically, passed away planting his summer vegetables. He wrote about gardening, " Ever tend your garden, it's bounty to increase, for in it you'll find solace, and in it you'll find peace."
Dr. Peckham attended Mt. Hermon Academy where he was a member of the championship hockey and tennis teams. He attended the University of Maine where he was elected to Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Zeta and Scabbard and Blade. He was awarded the prestigious C.H. Hood scholarship as the highest ranking freshman. Other scholarships included the A and P award and the Senior Skull Scholarship for leadership. He was a champion tennis player and won the state title in 1942 with his friend Burt Pratt. He earned his B. S. with high distinction.
Malcolm played competitive tennis well into his eighties. . He was champion of Taunton MA. three times and was the singles, doubles and mixed doubles champion of Tompkins County from 1951-1954.
In 1943 Malcolm joined the army. He was part of the 94th infantry. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry and promoted to first lieutenant. During the Battle of the Bulge the 94th division captured many pill boxes but sustained heavy casualties. Eventually they ran out of ammunition and were captured. Malcolm was a prisoner of war.
After the war Malcolm finished his studies in veterinary medicine at Cornell University. Upon graduating, he became a professor of avian medicine at Cornell and had an illustrious career. He was a contributing author of Avian Diseases which is regarded as the standard of excellence in avian medicine. Dr. Peckham contributed numerous photographs to the text as well. He isolated the key to a disease that had previously decimated flocks.
Malcolm enjoyed 57 years with his beloved wife Doris (Cologne). He is survived by his three daughters, Dr. Susan Petro, Donna Hammond and Diane Sheffield. He had five grandchildren, Dr. Aaron Rosen, Whitney Hammond, Ross Hammond, Luke Sheffield and Hayley Sheffield.
A private service will be held at a later date. A staunch supporter of the Red Cross since his days as a soldier, he asked that donations be made to them in lieu of flowers.