Obituaries

Beloved Commack Restaurant Owner Dies in Crash

Peter Fedden, owner of Commack Breakfast, was fatally injured in an accident.

Peter Fedden, who was known to thousands of Commack residents, simply as 'Pete' of Commack Breakfast, died early Wednesday morning, when he crashed his vehicle into a building in Hauppauge.

The 29-year-old was adored by his customers, who got to know his brown hair, friendly smile and love of his community, over years of many Hungry Man Specials and double scrambled sandwiches.

Fedden began working at Commack Breakfast when he was just 16 years old. He continued working at the shop throughout college and when he decided he didn't want to go to law school, he decided to buy the shop from the previous owner in 2005. He was just 20 years old.

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As a lifelong Commack resident, Fedden built special relationships with his customer and one of his traditions was based around his giving back to the community though the St. Baldrick's fundraiser

Fedden grew his hair every year and then shaved it in March, after dyeing it green for a week to pay homage to the St. Baldrick's icon – a leprechaun. He also kept a a can in the shop, into which his regulars put change all year-long. The shop's Superbowl party pools went completely to charity, as well.

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Jim Gaffney, who is a longtime customer of Commack Breakfast, became friends with Fedden through years of visiting the shop. "Everyone knew him as the guy who said double scramble sandwich, but he was a really good guy. He did a lot for the kids."

Jennifer Gidman recalled a time when she couldn't resist the urge for Commack Breakfast - even when she was in labor.

"When I was about to give birth to my son almost nine years ago today, I made a pitstop at 6:30 am at Commack Breakfast. Pete said, 'When's the baby due, I forget?' and I replied, 'Like right now, I'm on my way to the hospital!' And then he made me the best Double Special ever," she wrote on Facebook.

"A life cut way too short," Andy, a long-time customer and friend of Feddens, who requested that his last name not be used, said. "I have a special needs daughter and he always went out of his way to make her feel welcomed and loved," he said. "He was greatly loved by both of my children."

Commack Breakfast was closed Wednesday.

The reposing will be held at Commack Abbey, across from Commack Breakfast Saturday from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Matthews's Church in Dix Hills at 10:45 a.m. on Monday.

Do you have a special memory of Peter Fedden at Commack Breakfast? Share your memories in the comment section below.


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