Larry D. Peterson

Larry D. Peterson, 78, of 539 Euclid Ave., Saegertown, passed away Sunday, November 13, 2011, at home.
Larry was born in Cambridge Springs on November 5, 1933, a son of Hazel (Millspaw) Peterson and the late Walter Peterson.
On July 2, 1954 Larry married Ellen R. Wheeler; she preceded him in death on November 28, 2009.
On May 15, 1968 Larry opened Peterson Auto Supply, Saegertown, where, while serving the community, he met and developed many long lasting friendships. From 1958-1964 Larry was a self employed masonry contractor. He had previously been employed as a mason laborer and apprentice for McGlaughlin, Koman & Billings as well as for Stan Fuller, and Harry Skalko. In his earlier years he was employed by General Electric, Westinghouse, Erie Crawford Dairy and Wheeler Auto Supply.
In 1951 Larry graduated from Edinboro High School where he lettered two years with the undefeated football team, three years with the varsity basketball team and was team captain during his senior year. On July 6, 1954 Larry entered the US Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict, until his honorable discharge on June 6, 1956.
Larry was a member of Masonic Lodge #234, BPOE #219, Meadville VFW #2006, Venango VFW #169, Saegertown American Legion Post #205, Zem Zem Shrine and Kismet Grotto where he served as Past Monarch. He participated in the Grotto Golf League, County League Baseball and Firemans Bowling League. An avid sports fan, Larry especially liked following the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, Penn State Football and Duke Basketball. Larry enjoyed golfing, working outdoors, mowing grass and life in general. He especially enjoyed helping those in need and spending time with his many friends, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandsons Aaron and Elliot.
Larry is survived by a daughter Susan Butler and her husband Patrick of Meadville, two grandsons Aaron and Elliot Butler of Meadville, a great grandson Colton Butler, his mother Hazel Millspaw Peterson of Meadville, three sisters Zelma Loop and her husband Robert of Edinboro, Carol Christensen and her husband Robert of Port Allegheny, Martha Taylor and her husband Edward of Salem, OR, a brother-in-law David Shadler of Kutztown, a close friend Judy Sindlinger of Meadville, many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife Ellen of 55 years, Larry was preceded in death by a son Richard L. Peterson, his father Walter Peterson, two sisters Janet Shadler, Ruth Hayes, his father-in-law Lawrence Powell and his mother-in-law Betty Powell.
Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 6-9 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home Cremation Services, Inc., 330 Broad St., Saegertown, PA 16433 where an Elks Service will be conducted at 7:00 PM. Family and friends are also invited to call on Thursday from 12-3 and 5-6:30 where a Masonic Service by Masonic Lodge #234 will take place at 6:30 PM and Funeral Services will follow at 7:00 PM with Rev. Kenneth Custer, Pastor of Saegertown United Methodist Church, officiating. Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006 will follow.
Interment will take place in Cambridge Springs Lower Cemetery, Cambridge Springs.
Memorial Contributions may be made to John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 1001 State St., Erie, PA 16501 or Shriners Hospital of Erie, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505.
Share your condolences at miznerfuneralhome@zoominternet.net