John K. "Pete" Peterson, Jr., 84, of 238 Justice Lane, passed away the morning of June 20, 2011 at Jameson Hospital.Born March 28, 1927 in New Castle, he was a son of John K. Peterson Sr. and Erma L. Rudolph Peterson. He married Mary A. Beckert November 25, 1948. She survives in New Castle.John was a graduate of New Castle High School, received his B.S. from Penn State while pursuing his masters of education. He then graduated from the University of Virginia with his M.ED.He was a Private in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1945 to 1947.John was employed as a teacher of biology with the Neshannock School District for 31 years, retiring in June, 1987. He also taught in Brockway, New Castle and at Youngstown State University night school. He was the first athletic director at Neshannock. John was a member of the Visiting Committee Middle States Association in the evaluation of Norwin Senior High, Hempfield Area Senior High, Marion Center Senior High and Moon Senior High Schools.He was a member of Calvary Independent Church and over the years held the offices of elder, trustee, Sunday school superintendent, church treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and chaired the missions committee for many years.In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law, Alan D. and Sharon Peterson of Green, OH and Bruce C. and Patricia Peterson of New Castle; five granddaughters,whom he loved dearly, Christine, Andrea, Lauren, Kimberly and Lindsey Peterson.He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Brian L. Peterson.Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road.A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Charles L. Fombelle will officiate. Burial will be in Castle View Gardens.Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Independent Church, 424 E. Moody Avenue, New Castle, PA 16101.