Peter was born in 1931 and lived in Sudbury all his life.
He was a prominent local businessman, continuing the family jewellers business in the late 1960’s, after the death of his father.
Angelo Smith in North Street, with its distinctive street clock, had been in family hands since 1876 and still flourishes today.
Peter was Director of the British Watch and Clock-making Guild and one-time chairman of the Ipswich Branch of the British Horological Institute.
Amongst his many pursuits he was a founder member, President and Director of the Sudbury Motor Cycle Club, Vice President of Sudbury Rowing and Cricket Clubs, responsible for stage lighting for the Sudbury Dramatic Society and an active Scout Leader. Peter was also instrumental in the re-formation of the Sudbury Grammar School Old Boys Association in 1991.
Lastly, but most importantly, Peter was a Freeman of Sudbury and held offices within its Trust and Society for many years. In his quiet way, Peter always made a valuable contribution at meetings. He was widely respected by all who knew him, and he greatly loved all things Sudburian. Notably, he was the last businessman in Sudbury to take on an apprentice, Mark Mills, who later became a freeman. Mr Mills’ two sons were then eligible to become freemen themselves.
Peter died in 2007 aged 76 and was survived by his wife who still retains an interest in the business.
Margaret Hibble