Erminio Joseph Peta

Erminio Joseph Peta of West Chester

Erminio Joseph Peta, 87, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

He was the husband of Martha Joan Coleman Peta.

Born September 12, 1929 in Allentown, PA, he was the son of the late Frank Peta and the late Teresa Santo Peta.

Dr. Peta was a graduate of Allentown High School, Kutztown State Teachers College, University of Florida and Lehigh University. He began his teaching career in East Greenville where he taught both English and Driver Education. He then taught at Sheridan Elementary School in Allentown and opened the Joseph Peta Driving School. After receiving his doctorate degree, he was a professor at West Chester University from 1967 - 1991. When he retired, Mr. Peta moved to Ft. Myers, Florida where he resided for nine years.

Dr. Peta served in the US Marines during the Korean War. 

While an educator, he remained active in his communities both in West Chester and while residing in Florida. He was a member of West Chester Rotary and later also Ft. Myers Rotary. He also participated in Habitat for Humanity in Georgia and in Florida. 

Mr. Peta was very athletic throughout his high school and college years even while in the Marines. Later, he was a senior athlete and participated in Senior Games locally, statewide and at the national level in St. Louis, Syracuse, and Baton Rouge mainly in tennis. He was a born teacher and was a Little League Coach for many years really instructing youngsters on the fine art of the game of baseball. Dr. Peta also enjoyed traveling and he and his wife and sons went on many trips in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.  He often enjoyed going to Elderhostels and especially enjoyed a bicycle trip through the Netherlands. 

Although engaged in many endeavors, he mostly enjoyed the role of fatherhood and was an excellent example to his sons as they became fathers. He was a loyal husband and a true friend and will be missed by many.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Joseph Peta (Caitlin) of San Francisco, CA, and Douglas M. Peta (Kristin) of New York City, NY; grandchildren Lily, Calista, Coleman and Claire.   

Relatives and Friends are invited to his visitation on Monday, May 15, 2017 from 9:00 -10:00 am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 15 East Pleasant Grove Rd, West Chester, PA 19382; followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:00 am. 

Interment will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Neighborhood Health Hospice 795 E. Marshall St., Suite 204, West Chester, PA 19380 or the Killinger Football Foundation c/o WCU Foundation PO Box 541 West Chester, PA 19381.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com

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