Robert Milton Peters

Robert Milton Peters, 96, formerly of Lower Burrell, PA, passed away on Monday, February 14, 2022.  Bob was born on January 3, 1926, in Yatesboro, PA, to James O. Peters and Elizabeth (McLachlan) Peters.  He grew up in a handful of small coal mining towns in Armstrong Country before moving to Indiana, Pa in 1942, with his family.  On May 20, 1950, Bob married the former N. Adele Stephens, with whom he enjoyed 64 years of life and marriage. 

Upon graduation from Indiana High School Bob enlisted in the US Navy and was enrolled in its V-12 program.  Through it, he attended Williams College before transferring to Brown University, where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering.  Bob spent his entire working career, from 1948-1988, with ALCOA.  In fact, you have likely driven past buildings roofed with ALCOA (Cedar-shake) shingles or under interstate road signs, or perhaps, even climbed a ladder, designed and engineered by Bob.  He loved the woods and the streams of western PA, was amazing with house plants, knew how to cast a fly with grace, was a pretty decent golfer, and was an enthusiastic singer (a favorite memory was of his days singing in school music programs… when his teacher asked him to “mouth the words” but not actually sing).  Bob represented well the generation to which he belonged: hard-working, worthy of trust, deeply humble, full of compassion… a gentleman’s gentleman. 

This was seen most beautifully in the way Bob cared for Adele, as she battled, for years, a progressively debilitating form of MD.  He was selfless, kind, and kept his sense of humor till the end.  Bob was one who had learned the secret of being content, even while facing real hardship… something he managed to do throughout his own battle with Alzheimer’s.

He was a longtime member, deacon, and elder at Grace Community Presbyterian Church in Lower Burrell; and could be found, just about each morning, eating his bowl of Shredded Wheat (unsweetened) and reading his Bible.  And so, may the last words be used to express Bob’s deep and abiding faith in the One who “loved us and gave himself for us.”  Bob’s trust in Jesus, and love for Jesus shaped his life in ways significant, beautiful, and lasting. 

Bob is survived by a daughter, Lynda Hall and her husband, Jeff, of Flintstone, Ga.; a daughter, Ann Lidberg and her husband, David, of Childersburg, AL.; a son, Eric and his wife, Renee, of Fredonia; a daughter-in-law, Donna Peters of Vandergrift, PA; 17 grandchildren; and an ever-growing number of great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Adele; two sons, David R. Peters and William C. Peters; a great granddaughter, Brittany Hancock; and a brother James Peters of CA.  Private burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park in Lower Burrell.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert L. Snyder Funeral home and Crematory, Inc. 169 Second Street, Fredonia, PA

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