Peter Sturey

Born in Johnstown, PA on November 19, 1932, Peter was the youngest of the 10 children of the late Fannie and Anthony Sturey. Fannie and Anthony came to the US from the Ukraine, and Peter and his siblings grew up speaking Ukrainian long before they learned English. He loved seeing everyone at the annual family reunions at the homestead. If anyone needed to find him, they just needed to look no further than the nearest pinochle or poker game.

Peter spent his childhood in Johnstown, graduating from Franklin High School in 1951. He enlisted in the Army in 1953 to help in the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1955, leaving with the rank of Sargent. During his time in the service, he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. Upon leaving the Army, Peter attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania State Teachers College and obtained a degree in education. It was there that he met the love of his life, Gerry, after she hit him with a snowball one winter. They married in 1959, moved to Baltimore, and planned to spend their lives together. In 1972, they moved into their dream house in Fallston, Maryland. There they continued to indulge their shared loves of travel and education, as Gerry was a teacher as well, while raising their two children, of whom is very proud – just ask any of his friends or neighbors! Gerry and Pete only had 11 years together there, as she passed away in 1983. Peter never moved, keeping the house as he thought she’d like it.

Peter had a long career as an educator in the Baltimore City School system, beginning as a math teacher. After obtaining an MA in Special Education from Loyola University in Baltimore, he moved into administration. His last position was as the principal of the Claremont School, aka School 307. The school taught physically and mentally disabled children how to be productive members of society by giving them a skill. By the time the students graduated (usually at 21), those who could would have a paying job and be living independently. He retired in 1998 to spend time with his grandchildren, his golf game, and later his great-grandchildren.

Pete was an avid golfer who travelled the world to play every course he could. He even went to St. Andrews in Scotland to play The Old Course at least twice. Peter and his golfing buddies would go on regular trips down to the Myrtle Beach area to play and enjoy each other’s company. In recent years, health concerns curbed both Peter’s travel and golfing. Arthritis and lower back pain, along with dialysis during the past year, made travelling long distances or golfing at the courses next to impossible. Even given all of that, he had a practice putting green set up in the living room of his house and kept up on all the latest advancements in clubs, balls, and all things golf.

Peter adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who know him as Didi or Grandpa Pete, and he remembered every birthday and every special occasion. He often traveled to spend holidays and vacations with them and spoke of his grandkids and great-grandkids to anyone who would listen! His love for children led him to support many charities, including St. Jude’s Hospital. Pete and Gerry were only able to have two children of their own, but in later years, Pete sponsored children through the Christian Children’s Fund.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Gerry; his siblings Charles (Liz), Daniel (Jul), John (Billie), Michael (Terry), Steven, Anna, Fay Oleksak (Steve), and Mary Rzeszut (John); and his sister-in-law Theresa Sturey.

Peter is survived by his daughter Kathy Fontaine (Mark), son John Sturey (Oda), grandchildren Andy Pedelty (Corey), Scott Pedelty (Bree), Ellie Pedelty (Ryan Kelsey), Michele Rossi (Jim), Matt Fontaine, Diesel Sturey, and Tora Sturey. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Taylor, Olivia, Mason, Dylan, Hunter, and Declan; his brother, Nick Sturey; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anita and Tom Raible, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the amazing SICU team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for their help and care throughout the final days of his amazing life.

A private graveside service with military honors will be held on August 29, 2020 at Highview Memorial Gardens in Fallston, MD, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Peter’s name to St. Jude’s Hospital, the Christian Children’s Fund, The Wounded Warrior Project, or another charity of your choice.