Peter J. Coons, 70, of Athens, NY became one with the universe on February 18, 2026. Surrounded by his family, Pete passed peacefully after a short but intense battle with brain cancer.

Pete is famous for his gregarious nature, wanderlust, and sense of adventure, which were apparent from an early age. According to legend, toddler Pete once snuck away from his aunt’s house in Hudson to greet strangers at the train station. He survived a burst appendix as a child and knew from then on, he would live his life to the fullest.

After graduating from Coxsackie-Athens in 1973, he obtained a degree at Albany College of Pharmacy. While there, he met the love of his life, Patricia (McCormick) Coons. They settled down in his hometown of Athens, his “Mayberry,” where they raised their family and remained happily married for 47 years.

Pete became licensed to practice pharmacy in five states and served local communities as a retail pharmacist throughout the Hudson Valley for over 40 years. His profession enabled him to provide for his family while also pursuing his passions. As a part-time freelance photographer for Catskill’s Daily Mail, Pete enjoyed front row seats to sporting events of all kinds. When he wasn’t working, he could be found taking his family on adventures, being a superhero, traveling with friends, singing “Pete Coons Songs,” eating at Stella’s, or just driving around looking for something fun to do. Playful, spontaneous, and carefree, Pete turned ordinary days into special occasions and regular moments into magical memories. Some say he could even control the weather.

Pete was an avid golfer and loved the NY Giants, the Yankees, fishing, comics, cruising the Hudson River, traveling, and betting on penny stocks. He will be best remembered, however, for the one thing bigger than his larger-than-life personality: his heart. Whether he was offering rides to or buying meals for strangers, going out of his way to do someone a favor, or supporting his loved ones through hard times, Pete met everyone he encountered with a type of grand generosity that comes with total faith in human decency. He leaves a Superman sized hole in the hearts and lives of all who knew him.

Pete was predeceased by his parents Harold and Elizabeth (Ferretti) Coons of Athens. In addition to his wife Patsy, he is survived by his children: Sara Coons, Amanda (Jay) Palmer, and PJ (Brittany) Coons; three beloved grandchildren; brothers: Ronald Coons and Anthony Coons of Athens; and many close cousins, nephews, nieces, and dear friends.

Calling hours will take place on Thursday, February 26 from 3-6 p.m. at Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 27 at 11a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 24 No. Washington St., Athens, followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon. Interment will take place in the spring in Athens Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the NYOH Community Cancer Center Foundation or celebrate Pete’s legacy with an act of generosity. Do something fun with someone you love. Leave no regrets, just like Pete.

Funeral arrangements under the care of Bob Gaus and Breanna Lennon DelVecchio of Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, Catskill.