Henry G. Peters

Henry G. Peters

Of the Town of Cambria, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at his home. He lived a full, happy and active life right up to his last day. He was born in Jamestown, NY on August 15, 1946, a son of the late Lloyd and Mamie [Brown] Peters.

While growing up in Jamestown, he and his buddies created so much mischief that he was still telling the stories 70 years later.

He attended University of Buffalo, graduating in 1968. He was a proud member and eventual President of the Phi Lambda Delta Fraternity. Even decades after their college years, his fraternity brothers continued to refer to him as "Senator Blutarsky". He was present at the (in)famous Thallus of Marchantia event in 1964. If you're unfamiliar, there is a Facebook page.

Henry was an educator for over 38 years, beginning as a Special Education teacher and finishing his career as Assistant Superintendent with the Williamsville Central School District.  He was also a former President of the Starpoint Central School Board. Outside of work, he was a Cambria Town Justice for 21 years, and a longtime member of many community organizations including the Cambria Volunteer Fire Company, St. Paul's United Church of Christ at Shawnee, the Cambria Historical Society, and the Tuscarora Yacht Club. 

Over the years, he coached football, wrestling and softball. Everywhere he went, his big personality, generous heart and bellowing laugh left people better for knowing him. Their striking resemblance to Santa and Mrs. Claus allowed Henry and his wife to delight hundreds of children a year for the last 50 years.

He was married to April [VanderBrooke] Peters for 53 adventurous years.  His memory and character will live on through his two daughters Emily (Tom) Hector and Rebecca (Charles) Borden. He was adored by his six grandchildren: Elizabeth "Libby", Kameron, Henry, Edward "Teddy", Thomas and Sam.  

He is survived by a sister Ruth (late Fred) McGill, two brothers Jeff Bloomquist and Thomas (Barbara) Knott, two brothers-in-law Peter (Kate) Vanderbrooke and Ronald Marek, husband to Henry's late sister Paola.

He is also remembered by special friends of 70 years David Turek, James McCray and Ronald Gaeta.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 4 - 7 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 5893 Hoover Road, SANBORN, NY.   Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 10 am at St. Paul's United Church of Christ - Shawnee, 3921 Mapleton Road, North Tonawanda, NY, with the Rev. Ronald Lord officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the C. Jeffrey Bloomquist History Scholarship Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation at crcfonline.org or 418 Spring Street, Jamestown, NY 14701, or give to your favorite charity in his memory.

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