The Rev. Dr. John C. Peterson
The Rev. Dr. John C. Peterson of Meadowbrook Drive, New Wilmington, Pa., died peacefully Feb. 9.
He was born Dec. 8, 1930, in McKeesport, the son of J. Charles Peterson and Helen Bolton Peterson.
He was a graduate of Westminster College (1952), Pittsburgh-Xenia Seminary (1955) and Pittsburgh Seminary (D.Min. 1979). He also did graduate studies at New College, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Westminster College in 1977.
John served as pastor of the Big Spring United Presbyterian Church in Newville, Pa., and for 33 years as pastor of the Center Presbyterian Church, Slippery Rock, before his retirement in 1995. He was active in the community and in Beaver-Butler Presbytery, where he served as stated clerk for 21 years.
John was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Nancy Wilson Peterson.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Nicholas Peterson, with whom he shared 21 joyous years.
He has four children, John C. Peterson III and his wife, Karen, of Staunton, Va., James W. Peterson and his wife, Judy Pidcock, of Raleigh, N.C., Mary Peterson Wilkins and her husband, Mark, of Wexford and Meg Franco and her husband, Don, of Charlottesville, Va.; three stepchildren, Becky Parks and her husband, Jim, of Rochester, N.Y., Susan Nicholas and her husband, David Warren, of Waterbury Center, Vt., and Tom Nicholas and his wife, Ingrid, of Virginia Beach, Va.; 15 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was much beloved as a pastor, colleague and friend, and had enduring friendships in Scotland, where he served in several pulpit exchanges.
The family is grateful for all the loving care provided by caregivers at his home and at the Grove.
PETERSON — The family of the Rev. Dr. John C. Peterson, who died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the Smith Funeral Home, New Wilmington.A celebration of life and witness to the resurrection will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Center Presbyterian Church, 211 Center St., Slippery Rock. The family will receive friends at a reception at the church following the service.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Westminster College, Pittsburgh Seminary or a charity of the donor's choosing.
