MERDITH --- Peter J. Bushnell, Sr., also known as “Pistol Pete,” passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at home, in Meredith, NH, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Peter was born in Laconia, NH, on August 17, 1950. He was the son of Richard Bushnell, Sr., and Charlotte (Barneetz) Bushnell. Peter spent his early childhood in Meredith and attended Inter-Lakes School District. At the age of twelve, Peter moved to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands with his family and lived there for many years before returning to New Hampshire as an adult.
Peter had a talent and drive for operating any equipment he could get his hands on, especially heavy equipment. That passion started at an early age, being taught by his own father and eventually lead to a fulfilling career running heavy equipment. Peter, always a dedicated worker, spent time logging, owning his own business, twenty years working for Ambrose Brothers and ended his career with dedicating seventeen years working for the Town of Meredith. He was well known by many for his strong worth ethic.
Peter was a man of simple pleasures. He enjoyed staying busy with projects around home, watching western movies, gardening, spending summers in his swimming pool and riding motorcycles. His pride and joy was his 1937 Rat Rod that he often took for joy rides around town. Peter also developed a love for watching the Celtics, thanks to his loving wife, Julie.
Peter will always be remembered by those who love him for his guidance and knowledge, the way he protected his family and his strength and refusal to ever give up.
Devoted and unassuming, Peter leaves behind his loving wife of fourteen years, Julie Bushnell, and her two children, Terri and Craig Dunn; his daughter, Nicole and husband Benjamin Bureau; his sons, Jonathan Bushnell and partner Jenny, and Alexander Harper; adored grandchildren, Thaddius, Dominic, Charlotte, Parker, Easton, Owen, Peter (Pj), Liam, Zachary, Isabelle, Jacob and Craig Jr.; siblings, Arthur Bushnell, Carol Bushnell and David Bushnell; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Peter is predeceased by his parents; his siblings, Patricia Longly, Richard Bushnell Jr., Barbara Hounsell and Brenda Bushnell; and two sons, Peter “Sonny” J. Bushnell Jr., and Matthew Bushnell.
Peter’s family would like to express gratitude to the dedicated nurses at Granite VNA and Dr. Kamen Rangelov for his continued care, knowledge and compassion he provided to Peter.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Peter can be made to Humble Grunt Work, PO Box 628, Center Harbor, NH 03226, and Granite VNA, 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH 03301.
Services will be announced at a later date and will be held in the spring at Oakland Cemetery, in Meredith, New Hampshire.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.