John "Zip" F. Peters, 94, of Largo, FL, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2014, at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center. He was born in McKees Rocks, PA, and became a permanent resident in Largo in 2005.
Mr. Peters served his country during World War II in the US Army. Enlisting in 1941, toured with the US Army Show Band through seventeen states as a trumpet player. He was later sent to the European Theater of Operations and saw action in the Ardennes (the Battle of the Bulge). He was captured during the Battle of the Bulge and was sent to Stalag 3A in Lukenwalde, Germany as a Prisoner of War. He was liberated by Allied Forces six months later. During his time in the US Army,he received the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Battle Stars, a Purple Heart, a Combat Infantry Badge, a Good Conduct Medal, and the American Defense Medal.
After returning to the United States, he married Gaberia "Bea" Francis who was his wife for 67 years at the time of his passing. Mr. Peters was a grocer and owned the B & J Market in Stowe Township, PA. They worked together in the store until their retirement. He loved his family deeply and was an avid music lover. He was a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was the type of person that never met a stranger, had many friends that always commented about his eyes and his smile.
He is survived by his wife, Gaberia "Bea"; daughters, Linda of Indian Rocks Beach, FL, and Joan of Largo; brothers, Pat of McKees Rocks, PA, Anthony of North Hills, CA and Eugene of Rio Vista, CA; sister, Esther Presutti of McKees Rocks, PA; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, 2:15 p.m. at Bay Pines National Cemetery in Bay Pines, FL with the Pinellas County Veterans Coucil presenting Military Honors.
Dear Linda, Bea, Joni
it is with much sadness that I heard about the passing of John or Zippy as we have long know. Your Dad was such a wonderful man. I enjoyed the many great dinners that Bea cooked at Curlew Landings and the great conversations we all shared around the dinner table. You all have been my extended PIttsburgh family . I know that you will find comfort in knowing that Zippy Is now with The Lord resting in peace. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love. Michele
The Francis Family will miss Uncle Johnny dearly. I will remember how he always had a smile on his face and a great story to share. I’m so glad we were able to visit the Peters last November. It gives me comfort to know he was surrounded by his loving daughters Linda and Joanie who took such great care of him these last years of his life when he passed.. God bless you Uncle John!
-Darlene
TO The Peter’s Family
Sorry for your loss, he was a nice man and always had a kind word to say to you.
The Lind Family
Dear Mrs Peters, Joanie and Linda
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. He was a great American, father and neighbour.
We are keeping you in your prayers
Helen & Mike
My sincere sympathies to you Joan, Linda and your family.
May he rest in peace. Rochelle & Brett
Accompanied by spry eyes and a winning smile, Uncle Johnny was always such a joy to be with. His memories enchanted us all- from his time in the service to trumpet songs to Pittsburgh tales. Grateful that I could see and speak with him one last time last Sunday, I join others in knowing you are at peace now, Uncle Johnny! Taken care of by two wonderful daughters and an adoring wife, we bid you not “farewell” but until we see you again. Taps…
Dearest Aunt Bea Linda and Joany, Our sincere sympathy in the passing of our dear Uncle Johnny (Zip). A kind man with a warm soul.Incredible smile. I have so many memories of sitting downstairs at your home with Uncle Luke and Aunt Maina. He will he missed by so many. God Bless. Love!
Hi Bea, Joanie, Linda,
I was listening to music all morning, and all the oldies a lot of trumpet playing, every time I visited, Zip was out in the garage with his trumpet and it brought tears to my eyes, but then I thought how many people he made happy with his music, so we cry a little and smile more,Music and his family was his main love,
Hang tuff,Your sister, and Auntie,
Bea,Joanie, Linda ,
Zip will always be remembered for his humor and friendliness when he and Bea ran Felix’s Superette, He loved kids and they loved him.
Just an after after thought
Madge
Dear Aunt Bea, Joan & Linda,
We are all saddened by Uncle Johnny’s passing. Like so many others, we enjoyed our visits to your home on Roosevelt Ave. We were greeted warmly by Uncle Johnny who was listening to music or tinkering with something, and then welcomed into your gameroom where there was always the wonderful aroma of delicious food cooking, usually a whole meal in an electric skillet! Great music, great food, great conversation & great memories! There was always a smile in his voice when we spoke on the phone & he was always interesed in what was going on in “the Rocks”. He was a wonderful man surrounded by a wonderful family, the love & care you have provided is beyond words.We pray for his eternal rest in his heavenly home, and for all of you to be comforted knowing that nothing loved is ever lost & he was loved so much!
Love, Sandy, Ralph, Bill & Jenna
Linda we are sorry to hear of your loss. Although we did not know your Dear Dad, he sounds like he had many friends and always enjoyed life. If we can be of any assistance, please let us know. Your neighbors in CLS. Tom & June
Linda, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how much your Dad meant to you, and I feel deeply for you honey. My love goes out to you, Joanie & Mom. I love you and as always, will keep you and your family in my prayers. Trina
Dearest Linda,
My friend there are no words to express my/our
sorrow for the loss of your beloved Father. We send you love for you, your Mother and Sister.
Our ole’ company ICG has been informed and hopefully will “show up” in support…
In the meantime, anytime, day or night if you
need to talk, please call …
Love to your Father now resting in Heaven along with his family … friends and others in our Military Service … We send you so much love…
Kelly and Jim and “Mom ~ Carol”
Dearest Linda,
My friend there are no words to express my/our
sorrow for the loss of your beloved Father. We send you love for you, your Mother and Sister.
Our ole’ company ICG has been informed and hopefully will “show up” in support…
In the meantime, anytime, day or night if you
need to talk, please call …
Love to your Father now resting in Heaven along with his family … friends and others in our Military Service … We send you so much love…
Kelly and Jim and “Mom ~ Carol”
It is a pleasure and a privilege to commemorate John on my website. I thank him, Linda and his family for letting me do so. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Rest in peace.
To the Peters Family, sincere condolences on Johnny/Zippys passing. He was a very good man. I grew up in the OVA (1969-79) where B&J Market was. He helped a lot of families in difficult times and it was much appreciated. I have memories of stopping in after school and buying candy, but not before Johnny gave you a pinch on the cheeks !!! Or my Mom sending me down with a note, 1 pack of Viceroy, half gallon of milk, IOU please. And Johnny let people pay when they could. I also remember his wife Bea, daughters Linda, Joanie, Al and his wife, and Donna being there. Also, I think it was “Tut” (?) who was there sometimes,(Johns Dad ?) sitting on the front steps. Hoagies were the best !!!
The reason for posting this late is because there is an Ohio View Acres page on Facebook and people are posting their memories and “Johnnys Store” or “Zippys” is a common memory of everyone. Walt Perry found this obit and I felt the need to comment. If anyone reads this, I hope you know how special Zip was to a whole lot of people from “the projects”. Thank you to the family for serving our neighborhood needs and thank you Johnny for serving our country.
Hi everyone.
Just want to let you know Johnny & Bea as well have a great role in many a childhood for many of us that lived locally and close to his store. From penny candy to hoagies it was a perfect place for many who had little resource to go. Johnny would float many a family through the tight times of the month so we could have a square meal for dinner.
It’s remembered and so are you all. Thank you
With Love
Walt