Terry M. Peterson

Terry M. Peterson, 70, died on Friday April 18, 2014 at his residence in Franklin, surrounded by loved ones.

Born December 2, 1943 in LaCrosse, WI, he was the son of the late Rodney and Beverly Peterson.

Terry graduated in the Class of 1962 from Franklin High School. In 1967 he received a Bachelor's degree in Education from Clarion State College. He later received his Principal Certificate at Westminster University.

Terry began his teaching career at Utica Elementary School as a sixth grade teacher and was later promoted to Head teacher. In 1974, he became the Principal of Central Elementary School, retiring from there in 1999. Within those years he also served at both Polk and Utica.

Terry served on counsel at Grace Lutheran Church and on the Boards of Wanango Country Club, the Franklin Club, DeBence Music Museum, the Franklin Public Library, the Kirtland Cancer Foundation and UPMC Northwest.

He was a member of the Franklin Elk's Lodge for 32 years. He was also a member of the VFW and the Station Four Firehouse Company.

Terry had many hobbies and interests. It was his love of theatre organ music that led him to guide tours at DeBence Music Museum. He also enjoyed Big Band music, old movies, golf, tennis and especially biking. He was active in many community activities including Applefest.

Surviving are his son Gregg Peterson and his wife Tracey of Cranberry Township; a brother Rod Peterson and his wife Doris of North Carolina; a sister Pam Simms and her husband Jim of Franklin and four nephews Paul and Kevin Peterson and Chris and Brad Simms.

Friends will be received at Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 W. Park St. from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the First United Methodist Church, 1100 Liberty St, Franklin with the Rev. Sam Wagner, associate pastor of Christ United Methodist Church, officiating.

Private family interment will follow in Graham Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Allegheny Valley Trails Association, PO Box 264, Franklin PA 16323 or the Kirtland Cancer Foundation, PO Box 108, Franklin PA 16323.