[1] He intended to begin studies at the University of Notre Dame, but had to delay starting college because he contracted polio.
After his recovery, he began attendance at Notre Dame, but left school to serve in the military during World War II.
[1] Peck served in combat in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and during March 1945's Operation Varsity, he was wounded when his glider came under enemy fire.
[1] Unable to move because his legs had been shattered by shrapnel and bullets, Peck was injured again when another glider crashed into him as it was landing.
[17] A civic activist, Peck's volunteer efforts included a term as president of Montpelier's chamber of commerce.
[21] Among his major responsibilities in this position was serving as chief counsel for the Vermont Agency of Transportation, ensuring that the planning and construction of Interstate Highways 89 and 91 complied with both state and federal laws.
[22] Peck served as deputy attorney general until January 1967,[23] and then returned to his post as chief legal assistant and counsel for the Vermont Agency of Transportation.
[26] In September 1981, Governor Richard A. Snelling appointed Peck as an associate justice of the Vermont Supreme Court, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Robert W.
[29] His challenge was heard by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which agreed in July 1989 that he could not be compelled to retire.
[29] Having made his legal point and established a precedent for future age discrimination claims, Peck retired in 1990, and was replaced by Denise R.
[30] Peck was a longtime member of the Montpelier Theatre Guild and Actor’s Equity, and authored and directed numerous plays.