Ernest F. “Pete” Peterson

Ernest F. “Pete” Peterson, a Renovo railroader and a longtime resident of the lower end of South Renovo, who served as that borough’s secretary for decades, died unexpectedly Thursday morning, Aug. 25, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. He was 94.

Born in Renovo on July 9, 1928, Ernie, as he was also known, was the son of the late Ernest and Flora Kirkman Peterson.

He was a 1946 graduate of Renovo High School. Peterson enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps following graduation. He also served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and later was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, being stationed in Germany and rising to the rank of corporal. He served 18 years in the U.S. Army Reserves and was a master sergeant.

On May 8, 1951, he married Betty Ann Fourney, with whom he shared 71 years of marriage and raised three daughters.

Peterson worked as a brakeman for the Pennsylvania Railroad, eventually becoming a conductor. As the railroad began vacating the town, he rode the trains or carpooled with fellow railroaders to work at railyards in Williamsport, Bellefonte, Emporium, Buffalo and Enola. He retired from Penn Central Railroad in 1991.

Peterson served 49 years as South Renovo Borough secretary, dutifully typing up the monthly meeting minutes in his basement until 2018. He also served 23 years on the board of the Wayne Township Landfill, until his death. He also was a member of the Community Trade Association in Renovo, serving as president for several years, until last month. In addition, he was a member and past exalted ruler of the Renovo Elks Club. He was a member of the American Legion, Renovo.

Following his railroad retirement, the Petersons traveled extensively with Betty Ann’s brother and sister-in-law, Bud and Vicki Fourney. They went on several cruises and other trips, visiting such locales as the Caribbean, Panama, Alaska, Hawaii and Europe.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters: Diane Bitting, Elizabethtown; Barbara, wife of Jim Fedele, McElhattan; and Marsha, wife of Keith Stellfox, Enola; five grandchildren: Katie Bitting, James Fedele, Nicholas Fedele, Emma Stellfox and Morgan Stellfox; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Thomas “Tim” Bitting, and a sister, Betty Drabic.

Friends will be received at the St. Joseph Cemetery chapel in Hyner on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m.  followed by a service at 11 a.m. with military honors.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Dean K. Wetzler, Jr. Funeral Home, 320 Main St., Mill Hall, PA

Memorial contributions are suggested to the South Renovo Fire Co., Station 28, South Renovo, PA  17764

Online condolences @ www.wetzlerfuneralhome.org