Ossining Legend Peter Falk Dies at 83

Emmy-winning actor Peter Falk passed away on Thursday at the age of 83. And while Hollywood is mourning the loss of a screen and stage legend, Ossining is mourning the loss of a beloved hometown hero who made it big.

Falk, best known for playing Lieutenant Columbo in the Columbo TV series and movies which started with a popular film in 1968, died Friday at his Beverly Hills home. He was reportedly suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Falk was born in New York City on Sept. 16, 1927, but grew up in Ossining where his parents owned a clothing store on Main St. He was a popular athlete in town and the president of his senior class at Ossining High School. As a young adult, he became a merchant marine chef and earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University.

Falk's career in public administration was short-lived. A flirtation with amateur theater turned into a full blown love affair for Falk when he  tried out for off-Broadway and Broadway productions in New York City. He went on to star in plays like “The Iceman Cometh” before landing his first movie role in "Wind Across the Everglades" in 1958.  The rest is Hollywood history. Falk eventually became a film icon who will be forever known for his role as a unkempt-yet-unmatchable detective named Columbo. The role led to several Emmy wins for Falk.

Through all of his successes, the father of two never forgot about his hometown of Ossining.  In 2005, he returned to Ossining for an honorary street naming ceremony. Ossining re-named Prospect Avenue Peter Falk Place. His hometown fans were there to greet him and one sign read, “Welcome Home Peter Falk.”