Palmer E. "Pete" Willow

Palmer E. "Pete" Willow, 89, of Richfield, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Born on January 27, 1936, in Richfield, Juniata County, he is the son of the late Calvin and Elsie (Bolig) Willow. On November 6, 1954, he married his late wife, Shirley L. (Stuck) Willow whom he was blessed to share over 70 years of marriage before her passing on April 17, 2025. He is survived by one son, Bradley A. Willow of York; two sisters-in-law, Linda Shaffer and her husband Butch of Richfield and Beverly Troutman and her husband Chop of McAlisterville; and several nieces and one nephew. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one son, Kim E. Willow in 2001 and one sister, Betty Landis and her husband Reno Landis. Mr. Willow was a 1954 graduate of East Juniata High School in Cocolamus and, in earlier life, was a self-employed truck driver. After his initial retirement, he then went back to work for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation where he retired a second time. Pete's memberships included the Richfield Community Church (formerly the Richfield United Methodist Church); the Richfield Lions Club where he was a member for over 62 years and was the recipient of the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award; in earlier life was a member and firefighter at the Richfield Fire Company No. 9; was a former Director of the Richfield Community Center and served as one of the Chairmen for the Annual Richfield Dutch Days. Pete faithfully served as the Dutch Days ground prize collector, and was known to many generations of children as "Santa Pete" creating joyful memories each holiday season when the Richfield Lions Club brought Santa to the Community Center. Through his efforts, countless projects and events flourished and his legacy is one of generosity, kindness, and steadfast commitment to the people of Richfield. Mr. Willow was also inducted into the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame where he did not miss voting in an election for over 50 years. Mr. Willow will be long remembered as a Richfield historian. He enjoyed attending public auctions, collecting, and spending time with his son. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the St. John Lutheran Church, 752 Main St., Richfield with Pastor Brian Myfelt and Pastor Mike Neimond officiating. Interment will follow in Richfield Union Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of the funeral services at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Willow's memory can be made to the Richfield Community Church, 691 Ridge Road, Richfield, PA 17086 or to the Richfield Community Center, P.O. Box 151, Richfield, PA 17086. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville. Online condolences and tributes can be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.