CHESTERFIELD, MA – Peter Bradford Banister, of Chesterfield, passed away at home on April 3, 2026. He was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, on November 7, 1947, to Marvin and Janice (Wells) Banister.
Peter was raised in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, and later relocated to family land in Chesterfield, where he and his father built the home he cherished. He attended Williamsburg High School and Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School.
Peter was a well-known and respected mechanic throughout the area, working at several local garages, including his own. He later retired from the Town of Williamsburg Highway Department in 2017. Over the course of his life, Peter dedicated 45 years of service to the Williamsburg and Chesterfield Fire Departments and 23 years to the Williamsburg Highway Department.
He had a deep passion for local history, both researching and sharing it with others. Many people looked forward to his social media posts highlighting local families, photographs, and stories. Peter also enjoyed working on hot rods and attending car shows and, in his earlier years, drag racing his 1955 Chevy at Lebanon Valley in New York, as well as participating in trail rides and hill climbs with his off-road Jeeps. In warmer months, Peter could often be seen cruising the area in his beloved 1939 Chevy Coupe.
Peter is survived by his sister, Judy (Banister) Baker and her husband, James, of Florida; his children, Holly (Brian) Zimmerman, Daniel (Lynne) Banister, Kelly (William) Schuetze, and Jonathan (Anna) Banister. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Alex and Nick Zimmerman; Daniel and Kaitlyn Banister; and Audriana Garcia and Matthew Woods; as well as his two great-grandchildren, Adalyn and Kinsley.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton A private burial will be held at the family’s convenience.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to the Williamsburg Firefighter’s Association, P.O. Box 425, Williamsburg, MA, or Highland Ambulance EMS, P.O. Box 842, Goshen, MA.
Peter will be remembered for his dedication to his community, the countless lives he touched through his years of service in the fire department, his love of local history and the stories he shared with so many.
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