Pete Peters

Pete, a well known Fresno business man and philanthropist, passed away peacefully on March 13th at home surrounded by family. A beloved father, grandfather and uncle to many nephews and nieces he was fondly called "Uncle Pete" by everyone he met, a name he dearly cherished. He lived a full life with his twin daughters, grandchildren, sons-in-law, nephews and nieces and all his friends and extended family members.

Pete was born May 27, 1917 in Fowler. The youngest of five children he was born to Samuel and Lillian Bagdesarian Peters from Armenia. At the young age of six, Pete's mother passed away unexpectedly, leaving Leon, Karnig, Melba, Aram and Pete to the care of Samuel. Life on the farm consisted of helping their father with the farm work, cooking, tending the animals and finally homework. Though Pete spoke of his father being strict and running a tight ship they enjoyed racing the plow horses up and down the furrows and playing practical jokes on one another.

Upon graduating from Fowler High School in 1935, Pete worked the night shift at Gobel Disc. then joined his brother Leon at Valley Foundry and Machine Works. With the onset of World War II, Pete enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served in Burma and India working as an airplane mechanic. After the war, Pete returned to Valley Foundry as vice president and sales manager. Pete and Leon became "the perfect team" quickly setting their sights on meeting the needs of the wine industry by designing and manufacturing crushers, tanks and presses. Pete also partnered with his brother Aram, "Shorty" Peters in the family farming operation. In 1976 Pete designed the first seamless, stainless steel ,panel 750,000 gallon wine tank that revolutionized the wine industry. As a result, Valley Foundry enjoyed many profitable years thus merging with Ametek in 1968. Dad remained instrumental in the company's growth until he retired at the age of 73.

He met Gladys Kermoyan of Berkeley at a Fresno Armenian picnic and married in 1951. They became parents to Lorraine and Elaine, fraternal twin daughters on September 20, 1952. Family time consisted of travels to Mexico, Canada, Europe, Guatemala, snow and water skiing,and numerous camping trips to the Sierras to boat and fish. He was a proud Dad who thought nothing of rising at 5 am to start the coals for the best BBQ chicken on earth before a day on Lake Millerton. He also enjoyed many camping trips and CSUF basket ball games with his nieces and nephews and their families.

Pete was active in numerous clubs and charities. His philanthropic efforts included the Boy Scouts, Cal State University, Fresno and Community Regional Medical Centers and the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Everyone who knew him as Dad, Grandpa or Uncle Pete, can agree he was sharp as a tack, a successful businessman, played a mean hand of pinochle and gin rummy, generous to many and above all, grateful to be able to give back to the community of Fresno. Our father touched many lives also as a mentor. God bless all of you who loved our Dad and receive his love in return.

Embracing him in Heaven now are his parents, siblings, sisters-in-law Gladys and Barbara Peters and his nephews Lee

Yeramian and Darrell Peters. He is survived by his daughters Lorraine Peters Wilson and Elaine Peters Neuss, son-in-law Carl Neuss, and grandchildren, Carl, Alex and Rebecca Neuss. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Memorial Service will be held at the First Armenian Presbyterian Church on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 11:00 am.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to First Armenian Presbyterian Church, 430 S. First St., Fresno, CA 93702 or donor's charity of your choice.