Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
George Peter Obituary
On August 10th 2008, George Peter, 86, was reunited with his beloved wife Gloria Barnell (1924-2005). Calling hours will be held at Shakelton Funeral Home on Main Street in Aurora NY on Saturday morning, August 16 from 10:00am until 1:00pm, and on Sunday morning, August 17th from 9:00am until 1:00pm. Following Sunday calling hours, a horse-drawn Caisson with full White Apron Masonic escort will proceed at 2:00pm to Phipps Auditorium at Wells College. Services will commence at 3:30pm. An Appreciation Day Picnic/Ice Cream Social will follow on the Peter residence lawn, 461 Main Street, in Aurora.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department PO Box 71, Aurora NY 13026 or to the Morgan Opera House, PO Box 327 Aurora NY, 13026.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Peter
Magaly Hayes
July 18, 2025
I know this is coming somewhat late since I found it.
He will forever live in my heart and memory. Never forgot how much fun I had with Michael, Denis and Patrice at our square dancing lessons that George taught.Know that those wonderful memories will die with me!
Patrick & Josette Garrison
August 20, 2008
Our condolences to the Peter family.
George was a very uniquely warm person. He was an embodiment of all the noble virtues that Freemasonry inspires men to make their own. Even if you only knew him for a short time, he'd put you at your ease so you'd feel like you'd known him a long time. He was genuinely interested in people and their betterment. The world can use more like him. George may rest in peace now, knowing he lived a life of great purpose and influence. As much as he will be missed, he will also be remembered.
bill sherk
August 17, 2008
Mike and family, sorry to hear of the passing of your dad,didn't know him well only from the church we all went to in ithaca, best and prayers to all of the family.
William Moore
August 17, 2008
Getting to know George was one of the great pleasures of my employment at the library of the Masonic Grand Lodge of New York. George provided me with a shining model for gentle, benevolent, caring, interpersonal relations. He epitomized the finest attributes of the Masonic brotherhood. The world was a better place for his presence, and will be poorer for his absence. I will miss him greatly.
Linda Martin
August 17, 2008
My condolences to George's family. I cannot imagine what it must have been like to be regularly in the presence of one of such grace, good humor, insight and wisdom. His balanced caring and integrity were a touchstone for the community. Of Aurora's many delightful and worthy denizens, George was a structural pillar. His departure leaves a void of joy and vision. You must be very proud of him. May the model of his stabilizing energy and goodness warm your hearts and lift your spirits, and guide his legacy to you for us all.
Pat Banfield
August 16, 2008
George and Gloria were very special during our many meetings for the reunions of the class of 1940!! We truly loved them and are very sorry to lose them. George always had to kiss the girls!! WHAT FUN!!!
jr cornett
August 16, 2008
dear michael and family very sorry to hear about your great loss. hope you are ok sincerly jr and gabriele.
Gail Felker
August 16, 2008
I was so honored to receive the Gloria Peter playwriting award from George back in April. I didn't know anything about him or his wife until then and I was very impressed with his love for his wife. What a gentle spirit and a leader personality that has left a legacy that won't be forgotten anytime soon. May your family know God's peace through this sad time.
Debbie Noonan
August 15, 2008
Please enjoy the photos of George and family.
~Respectfully,
George and Friends at the Aurora Festival
August 15, 2008
George feeding Gloria Anniversary Cake
August 15, 2008
George and Gloria - 60th Wedding Anniversary
August 15, 2008
George and Sister Sue
August 15, 2008
George with his Daughter and Sister
August 15, 2008
George with Siblings
August 15, 2008
George and Debbie
August 15, 2008
George and Family
August 15, 2008
George and Gloria
Deborah Noonan
August 15, 2008
Dear Michael, Patrice, Denice and Paula, I am deeply sorrowed for the loss of George. I cared for him so much and shall miss my lunch dates with him. He touched my life and inspried me more than you'll ever know. The happy ending is that he is finally with his beloved Gloria.
Carmen Torres
August 15, 2008
I so sorry to hear of the passing of George Peter. He was always nice to me when he came to visit the Arecibo Observatory. I always thought of him as a great person
Adrian Johnson
August 15, 2008
What we do for ourselves alone, dies with us, but what we do for others and the world remains, and is immortal.
Kelly Tehan
August 15, 2008
Heartfelt sympathies on the passing of great man. I knew George personally as a cohabitant of our little village of Aurora, and through his love of the Aurora Free Library and the Masons. In fact, the last time I saw George, he surprised me by treating us to lunch at Dorie's where we spoke of future plans for the library. Through my work at Wells College, I know Paula and know how hard George's passing will be on her and the family. Hold tight to the good memories - he lived a life to be proud of and he will be sorely missed.
Chuck Johns
August 15, 2008
From Danby to Aurora....
An Amazing Journey
Pam (Peter) & Trip Stracka
August 14, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of his passing. Uncle George was an inspiration. He loved life and his family. Words can not adequately describe what he meant to all of us. We shall miss him very much.
RONALD & LINDA WAKEEL
August 14, 2008
Michael, I TRIED TO REACH YOU BY PHONE TO EXPRESS HOW SORRY WE ARE FOR YOUR LOSS. I KNOW HOW DEVOTED YOU WERE TO YOUR MOTHER AND FATHER AND HOW HARD THIS WILL BE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS HIM
AND MAY HE HAVE THE JOY OF BEING WITH YOUR MOTHER.
Joseph Curran Jr
August 14, 2008
George will be missed greatly. He was a good friend and mentor.
My condonloces to the family.
Bill Strickland
August 14, 2008
So sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you. See you when you get back to FLL. Hang in there, Junior.
Dick Chelekis
August 14, 2008
My sincere prayers and sympathies go out to you Mike, your sisters, and the rest of your family at this difficult time. Rest assured that George is in a better place than we are. God bless you brother. Hugs to Paula and Mike Ward for me. If you need a hug when you get back to Florida give me a yell in Delray. Hang in there buddy. Hello to Eric too.
Gay Huddle
August 13, 2008
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Peter's passing. I am an IHS classmate of Mike's and I know that Mike loved his parents very much. I did not realize that Mr. Peters had ties to Danby, but I would like to talk more about this for a Danby column I write in the Ithaca Journal. Maybe after a little time has passed, Mike, we can do this. I will also talk with Bill Genter about Mr. Peters and Danby. Please know that you are all in my thoughts.
Most sincerely,
Gay (Gombash) Huddle
Marilyn Cook
August 13, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with George's family. Working with George and Gloria was an experience I will never forget. I will always remember his friendly hug or a wave which always made me feel at ease at the University Trustee meetings or working on a project for CRC. We were lucky to have known George but now Gloria is the lucky one. Bless you George for all you have given.
Larry and Roxane Bakerjian
August 13, 2008
Uncle George was a one of a kind and the world is a little less bright with his passing. He touched so many of us in both big and little ways so that we can live a richer life. We loved him and will miss him greatly.
Dean Lamoreaux
August 13, 2008
My heart is saddened to hear of the loss of a great friend and mentor. George was a man to inspire and encourage one to be the best he could be. My time spent with George on the employee senate at Cornell and our many Masonic tours of duty will be fondly remembered. He will be truly missed. Dean L'Amoreaux
Ronald Kamp
August 13, 2008
George was extremely active in Freemasonry. There were numerous demand for his time and talent, yet he always made time for Gloria and his family. He was a quiet and sincere gentleman and Mason. Anyone who came in contact with him was the better for it. He new the value of education and practiced service to humanity. Brother Peter was a man of superlatively high standards and was held in high regard by all.
He will be sorely missed and will always be fondly remebered.
R. Kamp
Masonic Medical Research Laboratory
carol kaske
August 13, 2008
I knew George through the Cornell Retiree's Association Council. His treasurer's reports were always well organized, understandable, knowledgeable, and interesting.
Ann Argetsinger
August 13, 2008
My prayers and sympathy to all of George's family and friends. It is so difficult to put into words the inspiration George was to so many people. I will be forever grateful to have known he and Gloria through our "Townie" ties, as well as through the Cornell Recreation Club, and Employee Assembly. I am honored to have been one of the Cornell employees who received the dedicated service award named after George Peter. He truly loved and lived his life. What a world it would be if we all followed George's example!
Jon Bowman
August 13, 2008
I met George while working at Cornell University. George was a dynamic and inspiring figure on Cornell's campus. After becoming a freemason myself I learned of George's affiliation with freemasonry. This was a connection that "just made sense" if you knew George. George was a good man and will be deeply missed.
Catherine Fitzgerald
August 13, 2008
I was lucky to work with George and the rest of the gang at NAIC twenty years ago. What fun! George was the best boss I ever had--before or since. Working was a joy for him, and it was contagious. Once, out in his yard at the house in Aurora, my husband and George were returning to the house to get something--George turned to Tom and asked, "Want to run?" This to me is how George lived his life. He was exuberant, excited with every new day and always eager to get to the next task. His love for life, his "bride" Gloria, friends and family along with his dedication to the Masons, his country and work should be an example for everyone. Not many months go by without George entering my mind. I feel so grateful for having had him in my life. I hope his family can take some solace in knowing what a great impact George made on everyone who met him, and I send my heartfelt sympathy. I'll never forget him.
Derek VanHouten
August 12, 2008
I rode back on the train with George from Grand Lodge, he always had a quiet demeaner about him and was very approachable, he will be missed by all that knew him.
Linda Rossi
August 12, 2008
Hello:
I worked with George at Cornell University, NAIC Lab. He was a wonderful person, friend, mentor and father figure to me and my husband. I knew both him and Gloria duirng my tenure at Cornell University, and remained friends with Gloria and George after I was married and left Ithaca, NY. George always inspired me to want to do more with my life, and his positive influence on me stayed with me all these years. My heartful sympathy, prayers and love go out to his family and friends. I know he will be missed!
Steven Adkins
August 12, 2008
George's accomplishments were matched only by his humility. I never heard him speak of himself, only of other people and things to do. I don't think I've ever met someone with such an intense sense of obligation to serve others.
When I heard of his death I said to someone that I was proud to call him a Brother. What I should have said is that I am honored that he called he his.
My sincerest condolences to his family.
David Raymond
August 12, 2008
George helped me as a mentor when I was the masonic Staff Officer in 1991. He was a great asset not only to me but to the district. He was a great friend as well. I will miss him dearly.
Eric Machan Howd
August 12, 2008
George was a friend, Masonic Brother and mentor. One of my earliest memories of George is when I first provided our Lodge with a program of Masonic Music (by Masonic composers/performers). I defined myself to the audience as a gleeful romantic and George (seated next to Gloria) responded with a rousing huzzah. I will miss him.
Joan Lockwood
August 12, 2008
George was a great friend and mentor to me when I worked at Cornell in the '70s and '80s. He had a profound impact on my life - and still does.
Rosemary Leonard Nelson
August 12, 2008
Our daughter Nika was born in 1980, while we were living in the apartment on the north side of the Peters' house. I had come home to have this baby after several years in the Soviet Union, where my husband remained for most of that year, and after she was born, Nika was being tested for the cause of a mysterious blood disorder (which later developed into acute myelogenous leukemia). George and Gloria took us under their wing during that difficult time, for which I shall always be grateful. Nika recovered and will celebrate her 28th birthday tomorrow. I've thought of George and Gloria often over the years, but especially around the time of Nika's birthday, so I had been thinking of them in recent days and had a pang of disbelief and dismay when I opened the online edition of The Citizen this morning. Both George and Gloria spoke glowingly of their children and the extended family, the Arecibo project, the Masons, and their beloved Aurora--but while they were obviously active, involved, and enthusiastic about their life, they didn't brag, so I didn't know of all the honors and accomplishments until now, reading read George's obit. They both were remarkable for their open, giving hearts. The family must surely take comfort and satisfaction in the knowledge that these were lives well lived.
Sarah and Tom Yengo
August 12, 2008
Paula and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. May your wonderful memories soon outweigh the sadness.
Erin (Sullivan) Emerson
August 12, 2008
In Memory of George--an Irish prayer for man who had a profound impact on my life
"God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best."
Antonio Nolla
August 12, 2008
We will never forget you at the Arecibo Observatory , good friend.Your kindness and friendship are going to be in our minds forever.Thanks for being our friend and mentor.
Ronald Senykoff, Sr.
August 12, 2008
"Travelers Never Think That They Are The Foreigners."
Mason Cooley
It was truely an honor to travel with George. He showed the way expertly.
Dorothy Messenger
August 12, 2008
I was always in awe of George during my working years at Cornell. He and Gloria were very loved and admired as a couple and individually and will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family, you should be very proud of his accomplishments.
Michael W. Thuesen
August 12, 2008
The world is a sadder place without George. His Brothers at Hobasco Lodge 716, Ithaca, will sorely miss him and his smile. Travel on my Brother, we'll meet again down the road.
Stephen Hile
August 12, 2008
I'm sadend to hear of your loss. George was one of the greatest men I have ever known. I will always remember his saying to me "Mi Casa, su Casa"
Sheila Haddad
August 12, 2008
What a wonderful man George was, and a true inspiration to all who knew him. I received the George Peter Award for Dedicated Service and consider it my highest honor at Cornell. I will miss him.
Joe DeMarco
August 12, 2008
George was truly an inspiration to his Cornell friends. His unwavering support of staff and his efforts to forge communication with the administration has lead to a wonderful relationship where staff members are respected for their contributions to the greater Cornell community. George, we love you and we'll miss you.
William Genter
August 12, 2008
George, my mentor and good friend. He was my fathers best friend from their childhood in Danby until my fathers untimely death in 1965. George was my Masonic brother and raised me in the craft. I will never forget George and his kindness.
John Wishart
August 12, 2008
Please accept my sincere condolence for your loss. Geoge was a special person. I took one course from him years ago and still remember how much he inspired me.
Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results
Make a Donation
in George Peter's name
Memorial Events
for George Peter
How to support George's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor George Peter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
