2502 Sassafras Street
Erie, Pennsylvania
Monsignor James W. Peterson, 89, of Erie, passed away Monday, May 13, 2013 at his residence. He was born on November 14, 1923 a son of the late Cornelius J. and Gertrude Ward Peterson. Monsignor Peterson attended St. John's Parochial School, Erie; Cathedral Prep and Gannon College, Erie; Saint Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and did further graduate work at Western Reserve University and Notre Dame. He was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood on May 15, 1947 by Bishop John Mark Gannon. Monsignor Peterson's first assignment was to Blessed Sacrament Church, Erie and then to Gannon College from 1947-1975. While at Gannon, he taught English for seven years, and was appointed Director of Religious Activities and Chairman of the Theology Department. He was also a resident Chaplain at Wehrle Hall and Moderator of the Saint Thomas More Club. While at Gannon, he additionally served as Chaplain at the Erie County Prison, as Diocesan Vocations Director, and was instrumental in bringing to Erie the Christian Family Movement, the Foundation for International Cooperation, the Serra Club and the Cursillo Movement. He was also Spiritual Director at Saint Mark's Seminary. In 1975 he was named pastor of St. Teresa Parish in Union City. In addition to his pastoral work, he founded Maria House Project, a non-profit corporation which continues to provide small group living for men in need of growth in community for healing from drug and alcohol addiction, from the effects of imprisonment, and from homelessness. He also helped to establish the Avila House retreat center in Union City. In 1985, Monsignor Peterson took up residence at St. Stephen of Hungary Church, Erie and was assigned to special ministry to the marginalized. In this capacity, he worked in Catholic Charities especially in Spiritual Counseling. He served as the head of the Diocesan Office of Special Ministries and Trustee of Maria House Project, which today includes six houses with thirty to thirty-five residents, and the Greg Leopold Prayer Center. From 1992-1995 he served as chaplain to the Holy Family Monastery, Erie. He was well known as a lecturer, retreat director, spiritual director and friend to the almost friendless. He authored several books including "Leisure of the Holy Spirit," "More I Could Not Ask" and "The Sweep of Saint John's Gospel." He was preceded in death by his siblings, Sister Gertrude Marie, SSJ, John C. and Robert J. Peterson, his sisters-in-law, Jacqueline, Mary and Dorothy Peterson. He is survived by brothers, Paul Ward Peterson, Ph.D. and Thomas L. Peterson, sisters-in-law, Virginia and Jean Peterson and fifteen nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Thursday, May 16 at St. Peter Cathedral, 230 West 10th St., Erie, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the public invited to attend a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m. in St. Peter Cathedral. Visitation will continue Friday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m., which will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, JCL, Bishop of Erie. Burial will be in St. Teresa's Cemetery in Union City. The Francis V. Kloecker Funeral Home, Inc., 2502 Sassafras St. Erie, PA. 16502 is in charge of arrangements. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Maria House Project, PO Box 10682, Erie, PA. 16514.
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Sponsored by anonymous.
I think of you often Pete, hope you are enjoying heaven, see you there someday.
JOSEPH L WESLEY
May 9, 2022
Father Pete helped me to direct my life, ground my values and reinforced me that my girlfriend then was a good partner for life and he married us. That marriage which he reblessed 20 years ago is nearly 50 now. As a Thomas More member I traveled with Paul Zebrowski and Pete for 3 weeks thru Mexico. I met former students of Gannon and did my first altar boy stint at the Cathedral of Guadalupe in Mexico City. I miss you Father and your guidance and your forehead slapping ,which Pete did often. Only a saint could do the miracles he did. Hopefully I will be good enough to see you in your new home!!
Craig Marshall
May 14, 2020
Wayne Seitz
Friend
May 9, 2020
Just thinking about you Pete,thank for finding me my old friend.Heaven is lucky to have you!
Joseph Wesley
Friend
May 9, 2020
He was one of a kind...never met such a Holy Man...he is surely missed in the Diocese of Erie...I know he is with Our Lord and Savior...
Gerry Valahovic
Friend
May 9, 2019
Bless you Father
Wayne Seitz
October 17, 2017
Thinking about you today. Really miss you.
joe wesley
October 17, 2017
Father Pete, thank you for being such an authentic example of Christ's gentle way of love.I have carried that with me all these years and am now attempting to share it with people in the same way you did, by making it a part of the way I live my life. I can only hope you would be proud of me. You will always be my spiritual godfather, I love you and miss you.
Therese Granville
October 15, 2017
Lead all Souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your mercy.
K Lucas
November 15, 2016
Still Sober Father..Thank you.Missed very much God Bless you..
Wayne Seitz
November 15, 2016
Happy Birthday Father Pete
November 14, 2016
Wayne Seitz
August 11, 2016
228 donors honored you yesterday by donating to Maria House Project through Erie Gives Day. I give every year to this great ministry on this day, thanks to you Fr. Pete. You were and are a light in my life forever. I love & miss you but we know you are with us....
August 10, 2016
Think of you often.
joe wesley
May 18, 2016
I miss you more and more each day. My life without you in it just isn't the same.
Dolores
May 16, 2016
wayne seitz
May 16, 2016
Happy Anniversary Fr. Pete. How fitting that this year it falls on the Feast of Pentecost. My first confession with you was also on Pentecost. You are greatly missed but we know you are with us and we pray to you for our intentions. Peace be with you!
May 15, 2016
Words alone cannot describe my respect, admiration and Love for you. You were there for me when when I and everyone else gave up hope. Thanks is not enough. You are loved.
Jack H
February 19, 2016
Miss you Father...You changed my life so much..Thank you....
Wayne Seitz
November 15, 2015
Father Pete we miss your physical presence so very much but we feel your spiritual presence always and in all ways. Happy birthday to a man who will become a Saint... You have touched so many lives. Thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon me, love Rose
Rose Tarquinio
November 15, 2015
Happy birthday.Miss you
November 15, 2015
Happy Birthday Fr. Pete. I pray for you and to you today in a special way. Peace be with you. Please pray for us and continue to guide us to do God's work and continue your ministry with Maria House Project.
November 14, 2015
Thank you for your kindness and gifts of the Spirit, Fater Pete.
Timothy Flynn
October 23, 2015
Farher u touched the hearts of my wife. Paula and I.u led us. To a path. Of joy. Luv peace thanks
Craig. N Paula Jeffrey
October 18, 2015
I have never met you Fr. Pete, but please see my needs now and pray for me.
Bernadette
May 25, 2015
Wayne S
May 17, 2015
Happy Anniversary Fr. Pete. I pray for you and to you today in a special way. Peace be with you. I miss you so much but I know you are with us. Please pray for us and continue to guide us to do God's work and continue your ministry.
May 15, 2015
In my heart and prayers forever-
Dolores
Dolores Casale
May 13, 2015
As we enter Holy Week we feel your presence! We love & miss your physical presence! Love you Rose
Rose Tarquinio
March 29, 2015
Easter is getting close ,Will never forget,Easter at the lodge it was such a celebration
..God Bless us All..
Wayne Seitz
March 29, 2015
I was in a personal crisis. I immediately sought Fr. Pete. He put me at ease and told me "It's not as bad as you think". I got over it. Thanks Father.
March 28, 2015
Fr Pet's presence,peace and joy are all felt by so very many;NOW,as it was found in the past; "well done,good and faithful servant" Your words still give all of us strength! St Paul to Timothy 11
Barbara Cesare
February 28, 2015
Father Pete as time goes on you have shown Joe, I and others that YOU ARE on this journey with us! I miss you, your unconditional love and amazing sense of humor!!! Love you forever Rose
Rose Tarquinio
February 11, 2015
I visited Mount Savior Monastery in your Honor Fr. Pete. I know you are with us. Please pray for us and continue to guide us to do God's work and continue your ministry.
January 11, 2015
Wayne Seitz
November 25, 2014
FATHER PETERSON .YOU WERE A BLESSING TO ME..IN 1982 RONNIE SHOW
RONALD SHOW
November 23, 2014
Father Pete,
I am blessed that you baptized me and my twin brother many years ago and thank you for your soothing words after our mom's funeral and for counseling my father after the Korean war. And I'm so sorry I didn't even know of your passing and I'm so sorry I never wrote to you to tell you I converted to Catholicism in 2012 but now that you're in heaven looking down...you know. Father Pete, you are a Saint and may God bless you forever.
Michael Lane
September 12, 2014
Hope you are enjoying heaven Pete. I'm sure the Good Lord had a nice slice picked out for you.Miss you buddy, see you one day
joe wesley
July 18, 2014
Wayne Seitz
July 17, 2014
wayne Seitz
April 20, 2014
Although I don't remember ever meeting you I have known about you all of my life. You presided over my parents' marriage ceremony in Erie in 1956 and my mother never lost contact with you even after we moved across the country to California. My mother always told us you were a saint and the six of us believed her wholeheartedly. I am certain she was there in heaven with a huge group of souls there to greet you.
Maureen McIntyre
April 18, 2014
you will always be a great man
mark
March 14, 2014
Happy Birthday Fr. Pete. I can only imagine that celebrating your first birthday in heaven on this Feast of All Carmelite Saints is the most special of all. Say hello to Mother Eliane, OCD for me. Praised be Jesus Christ!
Ken Norman, OCDS
November 14, 2013
A truly Gifted and Blessed Man. I knew him in my days at Gannon in the 70's. He would visit us in Wehrle Hall. Rest in Peace Fr. Peterson. I am better for knowing you.
Mike Lewis
November 8, 2013
Wayne Seitz
October 17, 2013
Father Pete was the most holy man we ever met. He truly lived the gospel through love. We were on vacation and didn't realize he had passed until now in August. He was so special.
Donna Boetger
August 23, 2013
Happy Father's Day to you Father Pete ! Yesterday was the first father's day I can recall celebrating. Had I not read your book Leisure of the Holy Spirit I do not believe I would have had the courage to start this new chapter in my life. Thank You!
June 17, 2013
Ken Norman
June 15, 2013
Ken Norman
June 15, 2013
Ken Norman
June 15, 2013
Father "Pete" was our parish priest in Union City while I was growing up and attending ccd classes. As a adult now I would often hear some beautiful comments made about him for it seemed everyone knew who Fr. Pete was. I have just finished reading his book today, More I Could Not Ask. I purchased this book after his passing as a very small tribute to his dedication to Union City. The book is very funny at times and healing and insightful at other times. Thank you Father for writing it. Thank you for inspiring so many to be the most loving and compassionate people we can be.
kym glancy
June 13, 2013
Thank you, Father Pete, for being there for my son and leading him at "the lodge" in the right direction. My son met his perfect wife while living at the lodge and they are living happily every after, with two perfect children. I believe you had a lot to do with helping him save his own life.
Susan Wolfe
May 23, 2013
I thank God for letting me know a saint and you are that person Fr. Peterson, enjoy your new friends.
Edward Witt
May 22, 2013
Thank you, Father Pete!
May 22, 2013
Michael Hampsey
May 22, 2013
I remember the frequent prayer Fr. Pete would lead, "Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth." The Holy Spirit did come upon Fr. Pete and lit a bonfire of love for everyone. He certainly helped to renew the face of the earth by the thousands of lives that he touched. Thank you Fr. Pete for your love and leadership and may you rest in eternal peace!
Bob Wingerter
May 20, 2013
Thanks for your understanding, kindness, and faith, which you so generously gave our family. We will see you with the Lord and his Mother.
Joan and Ron Booser
May 19, 2013
You will be miss here on earth but heaven has gain a son God bless you Faher Peterson may you received your reward
Judith Palmer
May 19, 2013
Your inspiration has given so much hope to many.. you will be missed. Hope we meet again someday..
Lori Purves
May 19, 2013
Father Pete was one of the holiest men I have ever met. Between Father Pete and his brother, "Doc" Pete (his course on Virgil was the best course I ever had), Gannon should have some sort of Peterson building in their honor. Thank God for Father Pete, I am sure God has taken him home.
Mark Johnson
May 19, 2013
you will be missed hope to see you some day forest brenda
forest seitz
May 19, 2013
Fr. Pete has been one of the greatest influences in my life as to how to be a good Catholic. I have prayed for him every day asking God to help him get through his medical issues. I thank God now for giving him peace. I know in my heart that he is in the Lord's hands.
May 19, 2013
Fr. Pete was a humble priest who met Christ, in every person, every day of his life. His great compassion for those in prison, ex-convicts, addicts and the vulnerable in our society is truly awesome. We owe Msgr. Peterson gratitude not only for preaching the truth about the Christian mystery of suffering, but for living it, and showing us how to do the same. God of mercy and love, grant Msgr. Peterson, your servant, a glorious place at your heavenly table, for you made him on earth a faithful minister of your word and sacrament.
Deacon Dennis Kudlak
May 18, 2013
Deepest sympathy goes out to family and friends of Father Peterson. He was a gracious and caring man who made a great difference in the lives of many. God Bless
Karen Carder
May 18, 2013
I knew Fr Pete when I was at St Marks seminary then in the Thomas More Club at Gannon in the late sixties. Canonization should start immediately. Pete was there for all regardless of who you were. Your smile, guidance, nurturing, love will live on Saint Pete. What an amazing life
Kevin Scully
May 18, 2013
thank you Father for all the help and inspiration you have givin me and others to find our way back out of our personal troubles
Daniel Kaeberlein II
May 18, 2013
Such a Great Man of God,he will be missed,now in Gods hands
Howie Lillie
May 18, 2013
Dear MONSIGNOR Peterson's Family...
We send our sincere condolences at the loss of your dear loved one. He was a kind caring awesome person to all. He is with God the Father now and at peace. God Bless...Amen..
Most Sincerely Yours,
Vince Kloss&the Kloss Family of North East& Erie&of Gannon University
Kloss Family
May 18, 2013
DEAR FAMILY OF OUR FATHER PETERSON,
YOU DO HAVE OUR SYMPATHY AND OUR GRATITUDE~~SYMPATHY AT THE LOSS OF FATHER'S PHYSICAL PRESENCE WITH YOU;
BUT, CONGRATULATIONS THAT YOU D I D HAVE OUR SPECIAL FATHER PETERSON WITHIN YOUR FAMILY FOR ALL THESE YEARS.
~~WE GIVE YOU OUR GRATITUDE, BECAUSE, AS CATHOLICS IN ERIE OVER SIXTY YEARS, WE ALL, HAVE BENEFITTED
AND HAD OUR LIVES SAVED,
BECAUSE OF GOING TO HIS MASSES, CHURCH FUNCTIONS, AND RETREATS~~HIS WORDS AND THE LIFE HE LIVED MADE JESUS REAL FOR ALL OF US(AND MUCH OF ERIE, TOO).
GRATEFULLY,
THE FANNING FAMILIES
May 17, 2013
Warm memories of a good man... whether at a retreat at Camp Notre Dame or the bad haircuts I gave him while an RA in Wherle Hall, Father Pete touched all who knew him. The world is a better place for having him in it. RIP
Larry McHugh GU '72
May 17, 2013
You Will be remembered in our hearts forever ..thank you for all your love and hope to so many..
Raymond McCoy
May 17, 2013
Dear Father, Thank you for helping and counseling my father over the years. May you rest in peace. love in Christ, Pam Czerwinski Majczyk Thank You.
May 17, 2013
without a doubt, you were a very powerful man, you got through to my son when no one else could, you kept our family together, I am so grateful to have known you, to take us in your home as your family,, such a great man,, you will be missed Father Pete,,
Judy Martin
May 17, 2013
From my days at Gannon College and the Thomas More Club in the late fifties until today, Fr. Pete was always the same holy and caring priest. If ever there was a priest who was the reflection of God's attributes, Fr. Pete was that person. He now becomes our newest saint. May he be enjoying the Eternal Reward that he so richly deserves
Deacon Marty Eisert
May 17, 2013
He will be sadly missed,may his work continue
Jim Boehm
May 17, 2013
Father Peterson we are deeply going to miss you, out of my years knowing you ,, you where there to help me in my deepest troubles Thank you May you go to our Fathers Worshop and be Blessing and watching over us I Love you Father Peterson. God Be with your Family.
annette (hoody) williams
May 17, 2013
My Thoughts and Prayers go out to the Peterson Family.
Richard Aikens
May 17, 2013
My prayers and thoughts are with the Peterson Family. God Bless all of you during this difficult time.
Fr. Pete, Thank you for teaching and inspiring so many of us to be better people. I will truly miss you.
Nancy Stauffer-Kurtz
May 16, 2013
The most sincere and humble person I have ever met. He truly did give the shirt off his back many times
Cornelia Dusckas
May 16, 2013
I was in the St. Thomas More Club at Gannon College in the '70's. Father Pete was truly the hands and feet of Jesus. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Marianne Wagner
May 16, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go with the Peterson family. Father Pete was a dynamic man and will surely be missed by all who knew him. I pray that his family takes comfort in the fact that he touched so many people's lives in such a positive way. I never saw him without a smile. He married my husband and I and baptized our first child. He holds a very special place in our hearts and we grieve his loss.
Caren Haug
May 16, 2013
What a great man, thank you, I still have my son, Wayne Seitz,
Judy Martin
May 16, 2013
JESUS walked among us here in Erie County. We were blessed to know Fr. Pete. He was the most Christ-like person we have ever met. Just like JESUS, a gentle shepherd. Peace comes to us knowing he is in Paradise now
with our Lord and Savior. He will live on in our hearts forever and ever.
Lew & Nancy Nordin
Lewis Nordin Sr.
May 16, 2013
Father Pete,
I have lost my earhtly Good Shepard. You knew my mind, soul and spirit.
The void in my life will be so painful. I will remember you at the Alter of the Lord Always. My gratitude to Bernie and Joe forever.
Dolores
Dolores
May 16, 2013
Fater Pete was a great person he helped all who asked. He did this from the kindness of his heart not by obligation.
Wright Family
Ernest Wright, Jr
May 16, 2013
FR PETE-YOU HELPED BUILD AND FORM MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND.THANKS FOR THE BEST GIFT OF MY LIFE. JC
May 16, 2013
A TRUE AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST. "FR PETE" WAS A GREAT HELP TO US FROM COLLEGE THROUGH 46 YEARS OF MARRIAGE. HE LENT US HIS CAR FOR THE PROM IN 67. WE WERE NOT SURE IT WOULD MAKE IT DOWN THE ROAD, BUT WERE GRATEFUL TO HAVE IT. HE WILL BE MISSED. KEN & JUDI CURRIE
May 16, 2013
Fr. Pete was a spiritual giant in our midst. He helped 1000's of men (and women) in his ministry, and they in turn affected 1000's more - what a legacy! He died a very wealthy man indeed. God must be saying "well done my faithful servant"
Robert Kiel, DO
May 16, 2013
We met Fr. Pete while he was at Gannon and my husband was attending and I was at Villa Maria. Fr. Pete was on the altar for our wedding and remained a spiritual influence in our long marriage. We will miss him.
May 16, 2013
His ever-present smile and gentle manner made everyone feel better just by being in his presence. Listening to his practical advice and following his wise counsel made everyone truly better.
GERARD SCHLAK
May 16, 2013
Father Pete has always been such a large part of our family's history. He has been there for us through some of our most devastating life experiences; shared our sorrows as we have buried those we loved; and rejoiced with us in our celebrations of love and marriage. We shall miss him immensely.
This world has lost a very special friend and priest, but heaven has another saint ~~ and the night sky has another star. Father Pete's will be the most brillant one there.
May Our Lord hold his familly in the palm of His hand and may your faith bring you comfort in your sorrow.
With Our Deepest Sympathy,
Patricia Klus-Owens
May 16, 2013
God blessed our whole family through Father Peterson. He was a model of Christ's love. Thank you, Father Pete for giving your whole life and being to Jesus Christ.
Joe and Pam Vergona
May 16, 2013
thank you father for all you did for me god bless father pete.
jim seitz
May 16, 2013
Godspeed, Messanger of Christ
Tim Flynn
May 15, 2013
When I heard of Fr. Pete's passing, my initial thought was a prayer of thanksgiving for having known this man as my spiritual advisor, teacher and personal witness as one who lived and breathed His Love. There is no one I have turned to more for direction and purpose than Fr. Pete. He is always with me.
Lee Britton
May 15, 2013
Father Pete...thank you for all you have taught me about prison ministry, and for your example of love and service to God's people.
Drew DeCrease
May 15, 2013
MAY GOD BLESS FATHER JIM AND HIS FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED, LEON BUCZYNSKI OF ST. GREGORY'S IN NORTH EAST. PA
LEON BUCZYNSKI
May 15, 2013
I am honored to had have spent quality time with the saint father Pete ,he taught and showed me the way ,and the humility he showed me I will forever cherish and will always have apart of his guidance with me as he signed one of his books (for Pete sake)one of the many gifts he gave me and my family as he did the services for both my parents funerals and how he has touched my life personally and helped me threw my troubled times and the guidance he gave me to get custody of my son while I was at the Moore house , father Pete I cant thank you enough ! with out a doubt you are a saint !peace be with you on your new journey !
Scott North
May 15, 2013
You will be greatly missed Father Pete. Thank you for listening in my time of need. Your memory will live on forever.
Roberta Kunselman
May 15, 2013
What a tireless apostle! I had not seen him in years since he was in Corry, but his name was blessed on the lips of those he touched. The work of the Holy Spirit chronicled in every day of his service to us.
Fr. Nicholas Palun
May 15, 2013
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