Dr. Peter D. Ladd, 78, passed away on June 5th, in the emergency room of River Hospital in Alexandria Bay.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
Peter was born November 30th, 1946, in Reading, Pennsylvania, the son of Garland and Frances Marino Ladd. He graduated from Wilson High School and received his Master’s from Duquesne University, and his Doctorate in Psychology from U.S. International University in California.
On August 6, 1983, he married Kyle Blanchfield, in Canton, New York.
He was an Education Professor at St. Lawrence University in Canton for 48 years, retiring in 2024. While working at St. Lawrence University, he also worked at the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation as a Counselor for 40 years.
Peter belonged to the American Counseling Association. He loved sailing, where he enjoyed his cottage on Grindstone Island for 35 years, writing poetry, and he published twelve books on Counseling.
Surviving beside his wife, Kyle Blanchfield, is one son, Dorian Ladd of Clayton; one grandchild, Kinzlee Ladd; two sisters, Linda Zerbe and Tish Jepsen, both of Reading, PA; nieces and nephews.
Donations can be made in his name to the Peter Ladd Educational Scholarship at St. Lawrence University, 23 Remoda Drive, Canton, N.Y. 13617.
Dennis B
Rest In Peace Peter. I would just love to say Thank You for all your help in my darkest of times. You gave me the help to push through it. Me and my Family will forever cherish you. Kyle and Dorian sending my deepest condolences to you.
Heather Erskine
Kyle, my deepest sympathy and love to you and Dorian . My good friends , you have a done so much for me over our time on the river. I am so sad to hear about Peter, he was so young and did so much for everyone. I remember looking after your two dogs, while you went to visit friends and family they were great company. Peter helped me so much in my time of grief when my mom left me. I will always remember the good times we all had together on the river and at Clayton Harbour laughing over all the stories Peter had over a glass of wine. Take care my friend you will always be remembered.
Love to you both
Heather Erskine
Brenda Mattice-Thurman
Kyle and family. I learned so much from Peter during my SLU graduate study days. He was always willing to take on the questions of our human quandaries and his laugh and sense of humor were infectious. I deeply respected him and benefited from his tutelage. Please feel my sincere condolences.
Michelle Youngs
Mrs. Ladd and Darrian, Sorry for your loss. I drive the blue Jeep Darrian. Peter was a customer of mine at Whites Lumber in Clayton.
Todd Marshall
Dorian,
Prayers to you and your family at this time.
Sue and Gib Streets
Kyle and family, so sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Roderick & Karen Cook
Peace & Condolences
Brenda
Condolences to you Kyle and Dorian going to miss Peter Ladd a lot one of my hero’s in my lifetime!!! Saved me from a dark road I was on !!
Robert Burnett
Such a wonderful man and Professor, I had the pleasure of getting to know Peter and his wife, Kyle, as a nontraditional student a few years ago at SLU. My Thoughts are with you.
John Kellogg
I have a basket that Peter gave me long ago. At one time I kept duck decoys in it and then winter clothes in summer time. It was a marvelous gift, made on the reservation. Years went by. Every so often when I used the basket I would tell myself that I should stop and visit Peter – life stole the opportunities from me and now it is too late, Dr Ladd has sailed. Goodbye Peter.
Krysta Barilko
Our heartfelt sympathy to Kyle and family. Sending love and prayers to all grieving at this difficult time. Peter was such a blessing to me and my families lives. He will be missed ♥️
Scott Link
So sorry for your loss. Ross was a great guy and a good neighbor.
Paul Link Jr. & Scott Link
Rebecca Lashomb Connolly
In loving memory of our beloved professor, Dr. Peter Ladd Your compassion, fairness, and passion for education inspired countless students at St. Lawrence University, including myself. I’ll cherish the memories of our time together, especially our end-of-semester sail on the St. Lawrence River, where learning met adventure. It’s remarkable how life came full circle when I realized your sailboat was docked at my family’s marina in Clayton, and you even became our Grindstone island neighbor, buying a summer home just downriver.
River life became a thread that wove our lives together, but it was your character that truly anchored our connection. Your positivity and passion were unwavering. You showed up to class every day with a smile on your face, ready to face the day. Your legacy lives on through the countless lives you’ve touched. You will be deeply missed, but your impact on our lives will never be forgotten. So grateful to have known you and learned from you. A special island prayer being sent to wife Kyle and son Dorian.
Kimberly FH
I had great respect for Peter’s work and his passion for making higher education more accessible. I will miss him and his vision.
Emma Lorenzen
One of the kindest professors I’ve ever had. Pushed me through my masters program, may his spirit rest and live on through all the lives he touched. ❤️