Gary Peters

Gary M. Peters, age 69, of Harborcreek, beloved husband of his wife of 24 years, Vicky, passed away unexpectedly from medical complications at Hamot Medical Center on January 17, 2025. He was born at Hamot Hospital on November 15, 1955, the son of the late Ross and Gertrude (Maille) Peters. Gary’s Grandfather Peters often said: “Gary does not have a mean bone in his body.”

Gary lived his entire life in Harborcreek, graduating in 1973 from Harbor Creek High School and Erie County VoTech School, and furthered his education in advanced boiler welding at Lincoln Electric in Cleveland. He started his career at GE immediately after graduation and retired from GE in 2011. He served his community as an active member of the Harborcreek Volunteer Fire Department in many roles, including Fire Chief for 3 years. Gary coordinated the annual chicken BBQ for the Our Lady of Mercy Church summer festival for over two decades. He enjoyed hunting rabbits with his beagles, bird hunting in Iowa, and fishing for perch and walleye. Gary was an all-around outdoorsman, a huge Penn State Football fan, loved playing cards, but especially enjoyed entertaining friends and family with his wife, Vicky.

Gary loved his children and his grandchildren. As a “Papa,” he was not just a teacher, he was also their buddy and hero. As a father, he was a teacher of fishing, doing yard work, welding, helping others, and so much more. And, as a husband to Vicky…the last 25 years of happiness is evident. When a friend congratulated him on his marriage, Gary replied: “I am happy! The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”

Gary left a legacy of doing, helping, teaching and loving others. He was a go-to guy. “Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.” Gary will be missed by many.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Travis Ross Peters, grandson Austin Drakulic, and nephew SrA Bryan Bell.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Vicky, sons Nolan Peters of Erie, Eric (Katie) Drakulic of Meadville, Tony (Marie) Drakulic of Erie, Karl (Kimberlee) Drakulic of Meadville, and Jason Drakulic of Lawrence Park. Also survived by the grandchildren he loved so much: Tyler, Addison, Trenton, Sara, Alexis, Jonothan, Shawn, Trevor, Dylan, Julia and great grandson, Cooper. Surviving are his siblings Rita (Ted) Fuhrman of Millcreek, Roy (June) of North East, Carl (Mary) of Fulton, MD, Mark of Harborcreek, Donna (Dave) Aldrich of Harborcreek and Frank (Karen) of Ankeny, IA. Also left to cherish his memory are his aunts, cousins, many nieces and nephews, and so many great friends.

Family and friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral & Cremation Services, Harborcreek, 5151 Buffalo Rd. (at Hannon Rd.), from 3 to 7 PM on Thursday January 23, 2025. Pastor Mike Crisman will then lead a service at the funeral home starting at 7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harborcreek Volunteer Fire Department or to The A.N.N.A. Shelter for Gary’s love of animals and in honor of his beagles, including Sadie.