Francis Albert Peters 's Obituary
Francis Albert Peters, 97, of Alliance, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at Alliance Community Hospital.
Born on March 30, 1918 in Alliance, Ohio to Albert and Cora (Orsinger) Peters, he lived in Alliance all of his life.
He attended St. Joseph School and graduated from Alliance High School in 1937. He married his high school sweetheart, Constance "Tonsi" Dordea at St. Joseph Catholic Church by Rev. Paul Haren on May 17, 1941. They celebrated 74 ½ years of marriage.
Francie was employed as a Welder by Babcock and Wilcox and Ford Motor Company in Canton where he retired in 1987.
He served 2 years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served aboard the U.S.S. Marshall DD676, as a gunner’s mate 3/c, serving in the Pacific Theatre. He received the Asiatic Pacific Area medal with 2 battle stars, the Philippine Liberation medal, American Area medal and a Victory medal.
Francie was a member of the American Red Cross for 50 years, serving as life guard, water safety instructor, instructor trainer, and as Water Safety chairman. He was a 13 gallon member of the blood bank, Dean of Aquatics and Merit Badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America and Coordinator of the Civilian Defense.
His Red Cross Volunteer work earned him several recognitions including the Ford Motor Company Man of the Year award, the YMCA Youth Award, Distinguished A.H.S. Alumni Award in 2004, and was awarded the first Clara Barton Medal given by the Alliance Red Cross Chapter for 50 years of service. The Red Cross has credited him with directly or indirectly teaching 10,000 area residents with “learn to swim” program, also earning the name, “Mr. Water Safety” bestowed to him by the Alliance Review. He also established a swim program at the YMCA during 1955 to help with therapy of Polio victims.
He was a member of Knights of Columbus, Council #558, served as deputy Grand Knight and Youth Trustee. He was also a member of the K of C Bowling League, the Funtastics Senior Club at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Alliance Senior Center, the VFW Post 1036, the American Legion Post 166, Tin Can Sailors and Destroyer Squadron, DESRON 52.
He was a member of Regina Coeli Catholic Church and served as a greeter, usher and a counter. He was also very devoted to the Blessed Sacrament Adoration at St. Dominic Chapel of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Both Francie & Tonsi were avid canners and jelly makers, which they shared with many, many people.
Survivors include his wife, Constance "Tonsi" (Dordea) Peters of Alliance; four sons, Gary Peters of Alliance, Mark Peters of Alliance, David (Cindy) Peters of Medina, and Jeff (Sue) Peters of Medina; three daughters, Connie (Bud) Flugan of Alliance, Christina (Jim) Storck of Alliance, and Nikki Hensley of Fort Port Richey, FL; 16 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Joseph Peters of Atwater; brother-in-law, Andy Dordea of Alliance; and many nieces and nephews, also special friends, Al & Pat Retone, and Helen & Jeannie Mulinix.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Albert and Cora Peters; four brothers, Robert, Norman, Edgar and John Peters; and his only sister, Mary Agnes "Mayi" Eskay.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm at Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home. A KofC Rosary Service will be held on Sunday at 5:30 pm.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 at 11:00 am at Regina Coeli Catholic Church, with Rev. Joseph Ruggieri, as celebrant. Burial, with military honors, will immediately follow at Highland Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Regina Coeli Catholic Church, Memorial Fund, 633 Fernwood Blvd., Alliance, OH 44601
Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home. Online condolences can be given at www.sharerfuneralhome.com.
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