About Us

Robert M. Donaghue joined Peck & Peck in January of 2021 as a licensed funeral director. A first generation funeral director, born and raised in the Rochester area. After loosing his grandmother at a young age, he became interested in funeral service. This interest was confirmed when he lost his father at 14 and saw how the funeral director cared for his family in their time of need. It was then he knew this was his calling, and after graduating from Penfield High School  he enrolled in mortuary school. He earned his associates degree in Mortuary Science from the State University of New York at Canton in 2007. He obtained licensure in New York State in 2008, and in 2021 became a Licensed Embalmer in the State of Connecticut. Rob has been a resident of Columbia County since 2011 and spent ten years serving families in the Hudson area. In 2022, he was elected to serve the residents of Columbia County as a County Coroner. He is a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association. From 2016 to 2023 he served as treasurer for the Hudson Fish & Game Club where today he is still an active member. 

Rob and his wife Ashley (Cunningham) Donaghue currently reside in Greenport with their two rescue dogs. When not serving families, Rob dedicates his time to community events and supporting various organizations. He and his wife enjoy traveling as time allows and try to make York, Maine a yearly trip. He also enjoys golfing with family and friends. In addition to kayaking, cooking, gardening and spending time with family. 

I am honored to serve families in their time of need by providing exceptional service, with compassion, dignity & respect. I am dedicated to carrying on the legacy of service to Columbia and Dutchess Counties that was set before me by my colleagues. 

Christopher W. Chestney has resided in Rhinebeck since 1985 when he and his father, Gerald Chestney (1935-2016) of Pine Plains, purchased the Dapson Funeral Home, Inc. from Donald and Barbara Dapson. A graduate of Pine Plains Central Schools, Chris prepared for his entrance in the Simmons School of Mortuary Science, Syracuse, New York, at the State University at Plattsburgh. He and his wife Carol currently reside in Carol's childhood home in Rhinebeck. They have three children, Samantha, Matthew and Andrew

Having been raised in a family with a father in funeral service and a school teaching mother, Elizabeth, Chris understands the need and personal satisfaction of community service. He has served as President of the Board of Directors of the Starr Library, the Board of the Thompson House, and the Baptist Home. He has been an active member of the Rhinebeck Lions Club for over 30 years, and serves as chairman of the Lions Community Thanksgiving Feast and the Lions Youth Basketball program. In addition, he has served as Vice President of The Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce, and as Master of the Rhinebeck Masonic Lodge.  Presently Chris also service as a trustee of the Frost Memorial Fund, Inc.,  as a member of the Board of Directors of the Rhinebeck Bank; and as a member of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society.

Chris has renewed his lifelong passion for tennis and enjoys playing golf at the Red Hook Golf Club, often with his wife Carol.  They also enjoy skiing in Vermont.

"I remain committed to providing the quality of service my father and colleagues have provided to the entire  Northern Dutchess area for 50 years”

He was born May 26, 1935 to Gerald H. and Mary Violet (Folger) Chestney in Albany, NY, Jerry attended Bethlehem Central School in Delmar, NY and Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse, NY. Following two years of military service in the US Army he came to work at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes in Copake and Pine Plains. There he met Elizabeth Frueh of Craryville. They were married in the Copake Methodist Church on June 27, 1959 by Reverend Joseph Ary and settled in Pine Plains. 

Jerry came to Pine Plains in 1958 to work as a funeral director for Peck & Peck Funeral Homes. He worked closely with C Buel Peck for many years and eventually became the owner the funeral homes in 1985. He was very proud to have mentored Scott Chwalek, Jeffrey Proper and his son, Christopher, who have carried on the proud tradition of funeral service in Copake and Pine Plains. In 1985, Jerry was also honored with the opportunity to purchase Dapson Funeral Home in Rhinebeck. 

Through the years Jerry was a member of several churches including the Pine Plains United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee, the Rowe UMC and most recently attended the Pine Plains Presbyterian Church. He was widely recognized as a gifted lay speaker. 

Jerry was active in the Pine Plains Lions Club, having served many years as secretary and president; the Pine Plains Hose Company #1 and Rescue Squad, serving as treasurer; Stissing Lodge #615 F & A.M. serving as Master and other offices; President of the Board of Trustees of the Pine Plains Free Library; secretary and treasurer of the Pine Plains Food Pantry, and member of the Board of Directors of the Stissing National Bank. 

Jerry proudly marched every Memorial Day for numerous years with the honor guard. Jerry was an avid sports enthusiast, for many years he bowled with the Pine Plains Thursday night league, played tennis with friends and family, and rooted for the Yankees. Many Pine Plains Little League and Men's Softball Players will remember his many years as a home plate umpire and his unique call "Strike 3". 

Jerry is survived by his wife Betty of fifty six years, his daughter Cathy (Bill) Fitzpatrick of Pine Plains; granddaughter Bridget (Zach) McDonnell and their daughter, Aylee of Pine Plains, grandson Scott (Kaitlyn) Fitzpatrick and their children Ella and Emmett of Pine Plains; his son Chris (Carol) Chestney of Rhinebeck; granddaughter Samantha, grandsons Matt and Andy of Rhinebeck.

Extended family in Canberra, Australia, an AFS exchange daughter Andrea Griffiths (Keith) I'Anson, their daughter Kate, son Thomas (Natalia), their children Denika, Lexia and Callie

Jessica M. Cunningham has been a life long Columbia County resident. She attended Faith Christian Academy and Chatham Central School District, graduating in 2001. She resides in Ghent with her handsome son and 2 beautiful white boxers. In 2021, Jessica made the decision to further her education and pursue a career in funeral service. Realizing both the need for funeral directors and having the ability to care for her friends and family during their time of need. That same year she began working as a funeral assistant with Peck & Peck Funeral Homes. During which time she attended Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service. She earned her associates degree with honors in 2023. All of this while owning and operating her own successful cleaning business. Her dedication and commitment was seen in all of the hard work she persevered through during school, national board examinations and her residency. She completed her residency with Peck & Peck Funeral Homes and in 2025, Jessica became New York State Licensed Funeral Director. 

Jess has been an integral part of serving families with the highest level of professionalism and personal service. She understands the importance of our service to the families that call upon us and to the greater community we call home. She has become an asset to funeral service and we are fortunate to have her with us continuing her professional growth. She is also a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association. When not working she enjoys kayaking, golf, being around family, friends and her dogs. 

Ashley has been a lifelong Columbia County resident having grown up in Ghent and graduating from Chatham Central School, class of 2003.  Ashley began working for a stock photo agency in Chatham after high school. Then as a medical receptionist at Columbia Memorial Hospital before going on to work as an administrative assistant for a local real estate and insurance broker. In 2023, she joined Peck & Peck Funeral Homes as office manager and funeral assistant. She has been along side her husband and involved in funeral service since 2011. She is often seen greeting families during calling hours and assisting on funeral services. 

Ashley and her husband Robert reside in Greenport and have two wonderful rescue dogs Calli and Benton. Ashley is very supportive of animal rescues, especially Out of the Pitts. When not working Ashley enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time with family and friends.