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FRESNO PHILANTHROPIST, ETHNIC ARMENIAN PETE PETERS DIES AT 94
PanARMENIAN.Net
March 16, 2012 - 13:11 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Pete Peters, one of Fresno's leading philanthropists
died at his home on March 13. He was 94, Fresno Bee reported.
The youngest son of Armenian immigrants, Mr. Peters helped his brother,
Leon S. Peters, grow Valley Foundry and Machine Works. The firm made
everything from wine-grape crushers to ship winches.
Mr. Peters gave generously to Community Regional Medical
Center, California State University, Fresno, and other community
organizations. He was instrumental in the building of Community's
burn center. And he helped establish the Alice A. Peters Nursing
Scholarship (honoring his brother's wife) that has helped numerous
nurses complete their education.
Community Medical Centers will soon announce a sizable commitment
to Clovis Community Medical Center that will add to Mr. Peters'
contributions, said Robert V. Saroyan, vice president of development
at Community Medical Foundation.
Mr. Peters was known to show up unannounced and unaccompanied at
Community Regional Medical Center and Clovis Community, where he was
known as "Uncle Pete." He'd walk through the hospital, greet people
and make his own assessment of how things were working, Saroyan said.
"He didn't need an entourage," Saroyan said. "He wasn't that kind
of guy."
Mr. Peters joined his brother's company in 1939 as a machinist. A
self-trained engineer, Mr. Peters is credited for creating a design
for a stainless steel circular tank that has been used for decades
by winemakers around the world.
In 1969, Valley Foundry was sold to AMETEK Inc., and Mr. Peters
continued as vice president. He was named CEO after his brother's
death in 1983.
Mr. Peters retired in 1989 and remained active in the community,
creating and running a charitable organization that has donated
millions to Valley organizations.
Mr. Peters created and served as chairman of the board of the Pete P.
Peters Foundation. He also oversaw the Leon S. Peters Foundation.
Together the two foundations have donated to numerous organizations,
including Fresno State, Community Regional Medical Center, Valley
Public Television, the San Joaquin River Parkway and the Boys &
Girls Clubs of Fresno County.
From: A. Papazian
PanARMENIAN.Net
March 16, 2012 - 13:11 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Pete Peters, one of Fresno's leading philanthropists
died at his home on March 13. He was 94, Fresno Bee reported.
The youngest son of Armenian immigrants, Mr. Peters helped his brother,
Leon S. Peters, grow Valley Foundry and Machine Works. The firm made
everything from wine-grape crushers to ship winches.
Mr. Peters gave generously to Community Regional Medical
Center, California State University, Fresno, and other community
organizations. He was instrumental in the building of Community's
burn center. And he helped establish the Alice A. Peters Nursing
Scholarship (honoring his brother's wife) that has helped numerous
nurses complete their education.
Community Medical Centers will soon announce a sizable commitment
to Clovis Community Medical Center that will add to Mr. Peters'
contributions, said Robert V. Saroyan, vice president of development
at Community Medical Foundation.
Mr. Peters was known to show up unannounced and unaccompanied at
Community Regional Medical Center and Clovis Community, where he was
known as "Uncle Pete." He'd walk through the hospital, greet people
and make his own assessment of how things were working, Saroyan said.
"He didn't need an entourage," Saroyan said. "He wasn't that kind
of guy."
Mr. Peters joined his brother's company in 1939 as a machinist. A
self-trained engineer, Mr. Peters is credited for creating a design
for a stainless steel circular tank that has been used for decades
by winemakers around the world.
In 1969, Valley Foundry was sold to AMETEK Inc., and Mr. Peters
continued as vice president. He was named CEO after his brother's
death in 1983.
Mr. Peters retired in 1989 and remained active in the community,
creating and running a charitable organization that has donated
millions to Valley organizations.
Mr. Peters created and served as chairman of the board of the Pete P.
Peters Foundation. He also oversaw the Leon S. Peters Foundation.
Together the two foundations have donated to numerous organizations,
including Fresno State, Community Regional Medical Center, Valley
Public Television, the San Joaquin River Parkway and the Boys &
Girls Clubs of Fresno County.
From: A. Papazian