Ralph P. Peters, 79, of Hamburg, died Monday, April 25, 2011 in the Laurel Center, Tilden Twp., where he was since March 17. He was the husband of Grace R. (Ellis) Peters. They were married on June 25, 1955 and celebrated 55 years of marriage.
Born in Hamburg, he was the son of the late Elmer L. and Sallie M. (Rothermel) Peters. He was a 1950 graduate of Hamburg High School. Ralph was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Hamburg Unit, for fourteen years. During that time, he was called to active duty and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. After being discharged, Ralph worked for the Hamburg Police Department. He then worked as a truck driver for forty years for Edward Madeira Trucking, Hamburg, and last for Arlan Wessner, Hamburg, until retiring in 1995. He was a member of First United Church of Christ, Hamburg. Ralph was a life member of Union Fire Company, Hamburg, and beneficial association; South End Gun Club; the Strausstown Gun Club; and the Amateur Trap Shooting Association. He was also a life member and past officer of the Hamburg Game Association. Ralph drove race cars with the American Racecar Drivers Club. He enjoyed trap shooting and held several championship titles in trap shooting. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
In addition to his wife, Ralph is survived by one son: Michael P., husband of JoAnn K. (Hartman) Peters, Upper Bern Twp.; one daughter: Sue A. (Peters) Rothacker, Hamburg; three grandchildren: Eric P. Rothacker; Brandy A. (Moser), wife of Brandon J. Riegel; and Adam N. Moser, husband of Shilpa L. (Moyer) Moser; and three great-grandchildren: Ajay and Aron Moser; and Morgan Riegel. He is also survived by one niece and one nephew. Ralph was predeceased by a grandson: Tyler P. Rothacker; and a brother: Lloyd H. Peters.
Memorial services will be held on Friday at 11:00 am from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 65 S. 4th Street, Hamburg (off street parking in rear) with Rev. Fred A. Diehl officiating. Burial will be in Zion's Cemetery, Perry Twp. A visitation with the family will be Friday 10:00 to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to First United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, Third and Pine Streets, Hamburg, PA 19526.