Peter DeBettencourt, 43, Was Native of Oak Bluffs

Peter Lucas DeBettencourt of Oak Bluffs passed away Monday, March 10 at Martha's Vineyard Hospital. He was 43. He was the husband of Laura N. (Smith) DeBettencourt. Peter was born in Oak Bluffs on September 2, 1959 to Lois A. (Simmons) DeBettencourt of Oak Bluffs and the late John A. DeBettencourt.

Peter grew up in Oak Bluffs and was a graduate of the Martha's Vineyard Regional High, where he was bestowed with the honor of class valedictorian for the graduating class of 1977. He went on to be a deans list student at Pennsylvania State University, where he earned his degree in architecture.

He returned to the Island and worked for George Wey Engineering. He later worked as a vice president for Eastern Glass located on the south shore of Boston. Peter worked for various Island contractors before going out on his own as a builder and design contractor.

His business, Simply Shaker, provided many young Island residents with first-time home opportunities. Peter and Laura were married on May 9, 1998. He was an active member and former board member of the Portuguese-American Club, an avid Pennsylvania State University fan and a devoted family man and friend to many.

Besides his wife and mother, Peter is survived by his two children, Kelsey Ann DeBettencourt and Lucas Emerson DeBettencourt, both of Oak Bluffs; two brothers, John A. DeBettencourt of Sandwich and David B. DeBettencourt of Oak Bluffs; many aunts, uncles and cousins and several nieces and nephews.

Peter's funeral will be celebrated in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Oak Bluffs on Saturday, March 15 at 1:30 p.m. His visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs. In lieu of flowers the family requests that tax-deductible donations be made to the Peter L. DeBettencourt Family Fund, c/o Martha's Vineyard Co-operative Bank, P.O. Box 668, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.