LEWISTON – Peter E. Wallingford, 55, of Perkins Ridge Road in Auburn, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 21, at Central Maine Medical Center, with family at his side.

He was born in Lewiston, July 9, 1953, a son of Eugene and Lois (Sturtevant) Wallingford. He was educated in Auburn schools, graduated from Edward Little High School and remained a lifelong and well-known resident of this community.

On Nov. 3, 1978, he married the former Denise Lepage of Auburn and together they settled in Auburn to raise their two boys, Jonathan and Nicholas. He was a fourth generation in the family business, Wallingford Fruit House, and along with his wife, has owned the business since 1987.

He took great pride in the orchard and raising apples. His business memberships included recently elected board member of the New England Apple Council, first vice president of the Maine State Pomological Society and his recent appointment to the F.S.A. County Committee.

In addition, he was chairman of the Auburn Zoning Board of Appeals. He was also a Mason and member of Tranquil Lodge 29, a member of Kora Shrine Temple, and a member of Eastern Star of the Pine Cone Chapter 26.

Among his favorite enjoyments in his free time were hunting, fishing and following sports, especially the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, family man, and friend to many and will be greatly missed.

He leaves his wife of 30 years, Denise Wallingford of Auburn; two sons, Jonathan Wallingford and girlfriend, Brittany Legare, of Auburn and Nicholas Wallingford and fiancée, Chelsea Beaulieu, of Westbrook; his mother, Lois Woodward and husband, Howard, of Minot; three sisters, Roxanne White and husband, Rich, of Auburn, Pamela Sturtevant, of Auburn and Jo-Ann Montana and husband, Mike, of Missouri; and two brothers, Scott Sturtevant and wife, Jen of Florida, and William Wallingford and wife, Jeanne, of Minot.

He was predeceased by his father, Eugene; and a sister, Lynn Wallingford.