Rev. Randall Peters, Jr.

Lutheran Pastor for over 40 years

     Rev. Randall F. Peters, Jr., 76, of Erie, died Sat., June 2, 2012 at UPMC Hamot due to complications of multiple myeloma.  He was born April 14, 1936 in Greensburg, PA son of the late Randall F. "Pete" Peters, Sr. and Ida Wasser Peters.  He graduated in 1954 from Greensburg High School, Greensburg, PA; received the B.A. Degree from St. Vincent's College, Latrobe, Pa., in 1958, the B.D. Degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, in 1961, and the M.S.M. degree from Wittenberg University, Springfield, Oh., in 1978.  He was ordained in July 1961. He served the following parishes: Grace Lutheran Church, Manorville, Pa.; First Lutheran Church, Leechburg, Pa.; Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Elkins, W. Va.; St. John Lutheran Church, Springfield, Oh.; and retired in June 2001 from Bethany Lutheran Church, Erie, Pa.  He served on the Board of Directors for Perseus House.  Randall's love for music began at an early age, as his mother was the organist at First Lutheran Church of Greensburg, Pa., for forty years. He played a variety of instruments and had a lovely singing voice. He spent many hours reading from his extensive library. He was a huge train buff and had constructed a large train layout in his basement. He was very proud of his backyard and could name every bird that came to feed. He loved spending hours sharing his life stories with his friends and family.
     Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Mary Alice Tippett Peters; a son, Randall F. Peters III and wife Victoria of Groveport, OH; three daughters, Paula K. Diehl and husband Michael, Amy E. Hoffer and Mariclare Peters, all of Erie; a sister, Nancy Johnson of Latrobe, PA; five grandchildren, Miranda Peters of Groveport, OH, and Rachel and Cory E. Diehl and Paul and Nicholas Hoffer, all of Erie; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by an aunt, Leah Diffenderfer.
     Friends may call Wednesday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St.  A service will be held at The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul, 134 W. 7th St., Thursday at 11 a.m. with The Very Rev. John P. Downey and The Rev. Harold Jacobson, Assistant to the Bishop of NW PA Synod, ELCA, co-officiating.  Burial will be at Erie Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Bethany Outreach Center, 254 East Tenth St., Erie, PA  16503.
     Family and friends may view the on-line obituary, send condolences and order flowers at www.ScottFuneralHomeErie.com.