Peter Ralph Bayko

Peter Bayko, 78, of Somersworth, NH, passed away at home on July 22, 2025, as he wished.

Born on May 21, 1947, in Manchester, NH, he was the son of the late Andrew and Ruth (Wise) Bayko and older brother to the late Donald Bayko. Peter earned the rank of Eagle Scout and attended Bishop Bradley High School and graduated in 1965. He later attended Brewster Academy and graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology with an associate degree in Aeronautical Technology.

While at Brewster, Peter met the love of his life, Claudette (Gilbert) Bayko. They married in 1968 and shared 56 wonderful years together. Peter proudly served eight years in the U.S. Air Force, including a tour in Vietnam, and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. A highlight of his service was flying as a tail gunner on a B-52. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force as a SSGT, he began his machining career at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1976 as an apprentice. After 18 years at PSNY, he was employed as an Information Technologist at UNH for 10 years.

In 1979, Peter and Claudette welcomed their son, Timothy James, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with joy and family adventures. As a devoted husband, father, and “Bumpa,” Peter was his son’s and grandsons’ most prominent supporter, especially at their sporting events. He loved camping, fishing, and fly-tying, and fly fishing was his favorite pastime.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 56 years, Claudette, his son Timothy, and his fiancée Leanna, his two grandsons Matthew and Joshua, and their beloved cat Lily, his sister Jill, nieces Melissa and Amanda, his aunt Kay, and several cousins.

Arrangements: A prayer and burial service with military honors will be held at the NH State Veterans Cemetery Chapel in Boscawen, NH, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter’s memory to the Seacoast Cancer Center in Dover, NH, or Wentworth Home & Hospice in Somersworth, NH.