Peter Johnson Van Pelt

Peter Johnson Van Pelt of Bradenton, died to life everlasting, February 6, 2012, after an extended illness. Peter was born in Rockville Center, Long Island, New York on June 13, 1937.Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Louise Van Pelt nee Smith, their son Craig J. Van Pelt of Ilion, New York, his extended family and his many friends. Peter proudly served in the U.S. Air Force installing landing equipment from 1958 to 1962. His career also included being a Credit Manager for W.T. Grant in Fresno, Calif., Manager of the Singer retail store in Herkimer, N.Y., Manager of the WLFH Radio Station in Little Falls, N.Y., and Vice President of Moval Management Corp. in Herkimer, N.Y.In 1974, Peter was asked to join a team established by New York US Congressman Donald Mitchell, to rescue the Library Bureau, Inc. This corporation, formed in the 1800s by a noted Librarian, Melville Dewey, was the oldest US manufacturer of wooden library furniture and was to be closed by the Sperry Rand Corporation. This team was able to organize a public equity fund from the local towns and successfully purchased the Library Bureau. Peter than joined the new company as their Regional Sales Manager for Florida based in Ft. Lauderdale. In 1978, Peter assumed the position of VP of National Sales and Marketing in Herkimer, N.Y. in 1980, he was promoted to CEO and President of the Company. Peter retired and moved back to Bradenton in 1991, and established his own businesses. He was the former owner of Birkey's Cleaners and The Deli and Bagel Shop in Braden River Plaza, Bradenton. These he sold in 2002 and he again retired in Bradenton.Peter was a former member of the Herkimer Area Development Corp. in Herkimer, N.Y., a member of the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, a life-time member of the Elks and Roser Memorial Church.A memorial service will be held Friday, February 17, 2012, 10:30a.m. at the Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to his name to Roser Church, P.O. Box 247, Anna Maria, FL 34216.