Peter Andrew Terefenko Jr., 60, of Exeter Township, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020, of natural causes at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Philadelphia surrounded by his family. Born March 22, 1960 in Reading, PA he was the cherished son to the late Peter Andrew Terefenko Sr. and Marie Francesca Delle Palme Terefenko.
Pete was a member of the St. Catharine of Siena Church parish community.
Pete lived life through his passions. He loved food and worked for several years as a chef at Harrah's Casino, Atlantic City, and at his Aunt Ida’s restaurant, the WhitMar Inn, Reading PA, as well as Deka Battery.
Pete was an outdoorsman with a deep love for animals and reptiles; he was extremely knowledgeable and passionately involved in turtle rescue and conservation and loved educating others on the subject. He especially enjoyed visiting classrooms with various reptiles such as alligators, snakes, salamanders, and turtles to provide a firsthand awareness and appreciation for these great creatures. Turtles were by far his favorite and was indeed THE turtle man.
Pete also loved art and music - you could always find mini sketches and lyrics of his own throughout his home. He was an avid Grateful Dead fan, properly known as a Deadhead. Let’s allow the words of the late Jerry Garcia to close this verse of Pete’s life. “Standing on the moon. With nothing else to do. A lovely view of heaven. But I'd rather be with you"
Pete spent the final days of his life doing what he loved to do, caring for turtles and fishing off a pier at the Jersey shore. Anytime you see a turtle, know that Pete is saying hello and sending love. In the words of Pete’s friends and family; the man, the myth, the legend!
Those close to Pete talk of his loving heart and kind soul, how he cherished his friends and family, how he was especially proud of his 2 sons and 4 grandchildren, and how he loved being called Papa Gator.
Pete’s spirit will be carried on by his 2 sons; Peter Terefenko and his wife Jamie, of Reading, PA; Andrew Terefenko and his wife Gina, of Tabernacle, NJ; and 2 sisters Lisa Terefenko and her husband James Kennedy of Galaway, NJ. Lori Calabrese, of Reading. PA and brother in law Louis Calabrese, of Ventnor, NJ. Pete also leaves behind 4 grandchildren; Paisley Terefenko, Lincoln Terefenko, Milania Terefenko, Rocco Terefenko; nephew David Nolt Jr., 2 nieces, Christina Calabrese and Alyssa Calabrese, Aunt Geraldine Hydock of 101 years, many loving cousins, and lifetime friends to cherish his memory.
A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, July 24, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Catharine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading PA. 19606. A Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 12 p.m., with monsignor Domin officiating. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery.
In accordance with CDC guidelines, attendees are encouraged to practice social distancing and face masks are required in the Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of Theo C. Auman Inc., Reading.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TheoCAuman.com for the Terefenko family.
