Obituary of George Peterson, III
George Peterson III passed quietly in his sleep on October 8, 2024, surrounded by his family.
He was a loving husband, devoted father and enduring friend, who built a foundation of values that will forever shape the lives of his children and grandchildren. Principled and tenacious, his motto, “To rest is to rust” was a theme throughout his life. He was adventurous, hard-working, with boundless energy, and deeply devoted to his wife and children.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on June 7, 1934, to Jane Hudson Chapman and George Peterson JR both of Philadelphia he was raised in center city under Quaker principles. He attended Episcopal Academy and graduated from St. Georges School in Newport RI. He matriculated to the University of Pennsylvania graduating with a BA in English.
He was a member of the fraternity, St Anthony Hall (Delta Psi) and served as a sergeant with the First City Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. While serving with the Troop, he became the first recipient of the John Boyer Memorial Scholarship and spent the year traveling on his beloved motor scooter studying Italian at the University of Florence and exploring Europe.
Upon his return from Italy, Pete left for Fairbanks Alaska for a year adventure to experience life in the last great frontier of the United States. During this time, he tutored the indigenous people’s children, which led him into teaching. He was a passionate activist in the civil rights movement culminating in the march on Washington where he sat not 100 yards from Martin Luther King as he delivered the “I have a Dream Speech” in the summer of 1963.
His first job was teaching English at Friends Central school in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. During his teaching years, he also met the love of his life, Anne Childress Gamble. They married on New Year’s Eve 1963 at Valley Forge Chapel, PA.
Always a tenacious provider to his family, he had a successful 30-year career in NYC working in financial sales, ultimately retiring from Oppenheimer Capital. Upon his retirement, he set to work cultivating his property with a vineyard of Pinot Gris grapes, a fruit orchard and a collection of fig trees. He, also, earned an MA in English Literature in 2004 from Drew University in Madison, NJ.
Embracing his motto, Pete looked forward to spending time with his family in the Adirondack high peaks hiking, fishing, swimming icy rivers and playing raucous family games. Those were special and close family times, gifts that he shared with abandon.
Pete is survived by his wife Anne and his three children; Kristen Peterson, Clark Peterson (Hadley) and George Peterson and six grandchildren; William, Gardner and Katharine Krag and Anna, Courtney and Ella Peterson. He is also survived by his sister Patricia McCurdy, and nieces and nephews.
A Quaker Memorial Meeting for Worship to commemorate his life will be held on November 3, 2024 at 12:00 PM, Somerset Hills Country Club, Mine Brook Rd., Bernardsville, NJ. The family welcomes all and anyone who would like to share in the stories and remembrances of Pete’s life.
In lieu of flowers, we hope you support Willowwood Arboretum www.willowwoodarboretum.com