Peter J. May Scholarship Fund

Peter James May was born in Boston, MA on February 3, 1959 to Charlotte Woods and James May. The youngest of five, he spent his childhood in Northborough, MA where he grew up playing baseball, soccer and listening to his older brothers play various styles of rock and roll in their home. Home and music coexisted as core parts of Peter’s ethos throughout his life. No one could ever stop into Peter’s home without hearing music, typically 1970’s pop (Bee Gees especially).

Peter graduated from Algonquin Regional High School in 1977 as class president and captain of the soccer team. Four years later he graduated from Clark University in Worcester, with majors in political science and economics. Peter met the love of his life Eileen Shannon while at Clark. They married in 1983 and in 1993 welcomed their son Connor.

Peter spent the majority of his career in the insurance industry as an underwriter. His final position was senior vice president for Avondale Insurance Associates.

In addition to his insurance career, Peter took his affinity for music to a professional level as a disc jockey for much of his adult life. Known for his charisma and keen ability to play the right song for the moment, Peter thrived in this space. Many friends knew him as “PJ the DJ.” He played for many Wakefield events including the Italian Festival, Wakefield Basketball Association championships, and Wakefield Little League events.

Peter loved Wakefield. He coached Connor in a variety of sports, and supported local teams by recording games and providing food and drinks. Peter met many of his neighbors during his daily walks with his dogs on Garden Lane, Alyssa Drive, Lowell Street and Salem Street, and he mastered the art of the big hello. After knocking on 1,500 doors in 2016, Peter won a position on Wakefield’s Town Council. Serving on the Town Council was one of the greatest honors of Peter’s life. He would often say: “I don’t vote for a party, I vote for the W (Wakefield)”, gesturing a W with his hands over his head.

The Peter J. May Fund assists Wakefield students studying music and remembers Peter, a beautiful soul, who was gifted with the ability to illuminate the light in so many others.