July 8, 2011

HARRISVILLE, N.Y.   —  William F. Peters, 73, Sister Islands Road, Lake Bonaparte, died Friday morning at his home while under the care of his wife and Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley.

Born May 14, 1938, in Croghan, son of Leon and Rose Aucter Peters, he was raised on a subsistence farm in Belfort. Bill began his education at the one room school there, and graduated from Beaver River Central School and Canton ATI. 

He worked in industry for 15 years in Central New York. 

After his marriage in 1962, the birth of his two sons and his honorable discharge from the Army, he continued his education on a part-time basis. He earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education at SUNY Oswego. 

He was employed in Vocational Education while earning master's and doctoral degrees from Syracuse University. Bill was Director of the Regional Education Center for Economic Development for the New York State Education Department in six Northern New York counties until his retirement in 1992, due to his first cancer challenge.

In his younger days, Bill enjoyed softball and team sports. 

In 1970, he and his family built a small summer camp at Lake Bonaparte, later renovating it for year round living. He was very active as a member of the Small Town Clowns specializing in juggling and magic. He served on the Board of the Adirondack North Country Association and was selected as member of the year in 1992. 

He served on the board of the SUNY Canton Alumni Association, and was a Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award recipient. He was also a member of the board of the Lake Bonaparte Conservation Club.

Bill was a charter member of the Town of Diana Historical Museum and served on its board until his death. He wrote many articles for the museums newsletter. 

His watercolor hobby gave him great enjoyment and are prized by his family.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Jo, Lake Bonaparte; two sons and their wives, Kenneth and Pam, Los Angeles, Calif., and Christopher and Shelly, Camillus, N.Y.

Five brothers, Howard, Elmer, Gordon, Sherwood and Thomas, and two sisters Kathryn Boliver and Gertrude Wadsworth, all died before him.

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. Please remember him in your own way. 

Arrangements are with the Adirondack Funeral Home, Harrisville.

Donations may made to the Dr. William F. Peters Tech Prep Scholarship, Canton College Foundation, 34 Cornell Drive, Canton, NY 13617, or the Town of Diana Historical Museum, PO Box 216 Harrisville, NY 13648. 

Online condolences may be made at www.adirondackfh.com.

Information provided by Adirondack Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.