Russell A. Petery, Sr., 79, of Spring City and formerly of Hamburg, died Wednesday, January 30, 2013 in the Seasons Hospice Unit of Phoenixville Hospital. He was the husband of Florence A. (Messner) Petery. They were married on June 29, 1963 and celebrated 49 years of marriage.
Born in West Hamburg, he was the son of the late John H. and Minnie M. (Spatz) Petery. Russell was a 1951 graduate of Hamburg High School. He was enlisted in the U.S. Navy for ten years, serving during the Korean War. Russell then attended Pennsylvania State University for two years. He worked as a calibration technician for thirty years, for Atlas Chemicals, which then became ICI Americas in Audubon, retiring in 1994. Russell was a member of First United Church of Christ, Spring City. He was a life member of the United States Submarine Veterans; life member of American Legion Post 602, Spring City; life member of Wagner Good Post 216 V.F.W., Hamburg; and a life member of the Fleet Reserve Association.
Surviving in addition to his wife are four sons: Russell A. Petery, Jr., husband of Ruth (Bressler) Petery, Richland; Steven P. Petery, North Coventry; Brian C. Petery; and Michael A. Petery; both of Spring City; two grandsons: Matthew J. Petery, Richland; and Joseph A. Petery, husband of Amber (West) Petery, Myerstown; one great-granddaughter: Emily Jo Petery; and two step-great-grandchildren: Savannah and Myka Harvey. Russell is also survived by one brother: Guy W. Petery, husband of Diane S. (Seaman) Petery, Mohrsville; one sister: Mary Ann (Petery), wife of Lee Gaul, Benton, Columbia Co.; sister-in-law: Evelyn (Sitko) Petery, Lewisburg; two nieces: Janet Dysel and Jan Petery; and three nephews: J. Andrew Petery; Joel Petery; and Matthew Gaul. He was predeceased by a brother: John J. Petery, in 1998; and a niece: Amy J. Gaul, in 1989.
Memorial services will be on Saturday at 11:00 am from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport. Burial with military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Hamburg. A visitation with the family will be held in the funeral home Saturday 10:00 to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to First United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, 145 Chestnut Street, Spring City, PA 19475, in memory of Russell A. Petery, Sr.. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.
