William James Peterson, Sr., age 94, late of 14 East Windridge Road, Greenville, PA passed away at St. Paul's Senior Living Community on Friday afternoon, October 29, 2021.

He was born on February 17, 1927 in Greenville, the oldest son of Merle A. Peterson and Sarah Ann Howick Peterson. He married Helen R. Derrick on June 19, 1948. She preceded him in death on May 21, 2008. He graduated from Penn High School in Greenville, Class of 1945 with a War Diploma. He enlisted in the US Navy in January 1945, serving until his honorable discharge in July 1946. As a Seaman First Class, he earned the American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal. Coming home, he attended Thiel College for one semester, playing on the 1946 championship football team. For this, he was later inducted into the Thiel College Athletic Hall of Fame. He then enrolled in the Triangle School of Drafting in Pittsburgh, Pa, graduating in 1947. He was employed for 35 years by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company in Greenville, retiring as a lead designer in 1983. As a young man, he was an avid hunter of small game, with his beagles as companions. He enjoyed the outdoors: running track, doing yard work, and hunting throughout deer season. Family Sunday drives with a pit stop at Lean's East End Bakery were a tradition. He worked many hours of overtime to better provide for his family. He was a member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Greenville, faithfully attending mass until in April 2021 his declining health prevented it. He belonged to the Moose Club and the Knights of Columbus.

He led an active life during his retirement years in Greenville, golfing at Pine Hill and bowling in various leagues until March 2021. Highlights of his retirement included vacation trips to Aruba and Key West, a Veteran Honors Flight to Washington D.C, and family visits to Colorado, Texas, and Illinois. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Cindy Peterson Essert, in 2015 and very recently by his son- in- law, Matthew Chikosky and sister-in-law Suzanne Derrick in 2021. Surviving are four children: Karen Chikosky of Hermitage, Jane (Bruce) Turcic of Greenville, William (Darlene) Peterson, Jr. of Wyomissing, PA, and James (Kathy) Peterson of Greenville; 6 grandchildren: Byl (Turquoise) Walker of Burke, VA, Michael (Kim) Walker of River Forest, IL, Kelly (Jonathan) Bailey of Greenville, PA, Amy (Adam)Wirth of Belleville, MI, Jason (Mallory) Peterson of Fort Worth TX and Richard (Stephanie) Witwer of Fort Hood, TX; 8 great grandchildren: Lucas Walker of Burke, VA, Stella and Ruby Walker of River Forest, IL, Lily and Aiden Bailey of Greenville, PA, Sadie and Cooper J. Peterson of Fort Worth, TX and Richard Witwer, Jr. of Fort Hood, TX; two brothers: Robert (Myrtle Ann) Peterson of New Braunfels, TX and Gerald H. (Kathryn) Peterson of La Salle, IL; several nieces and nephews, and his dear friend, Agnes Kowalzcyk of Greenville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, 85 N. High St., Greenville, PA 16125 or Thiel College, 75 College Ave., Greenville, PA 16125. Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.