ASHTABULA — Robert Louis Peterka, age 88, of East 45th St., passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at the Cleveland Clinic.
He was born May 19, 1924, in Geneva, Ohio, the son of Louis Joseph and Martha Elizabeth (Martin) Peterka and had been a lifelong area resident. A 1942 graduate of Geneva High School, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Baldwin Wallace University after attending Hiram University for two years.
A Veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served during World War II before being honorably discharged as an officer.
Bob got his start in business as an insurance agent with Crawford Insurance Company. After learning the profession for several years, he ventured on his own and founded the Peterka Insurance Agency, which he operated for many years in Ashtabula before merging with the Kollhoff Insurance Agency.
A member of the First Presbyterian Church for the past five years, he previously belonged to the First Congregational Church for over 40 years. His family founded the Unionville Congregational Church where he was raised.
Known for his involvement with the community, he was a longtime member of the Elks and past-president of the Kiwanis Club. He was also a former member of the American Legion and VFW.
He loved musical theatre, plays and traveling, having visited Europe and most of the United States. He had a passion for golf and had made three hole-in-one’s during his lifetime. He also was especially fond of family reunions and getting together with his fellow veterans at the World War II Navy Reunions. But most of all, he loved life and made his family first and foremost in all he did as they meant the world to him.
His survivors include two daughters, Jean (Mark) Sandor of Geneva and Elizabeth (Jim) Shannon of Columbus; and one grandson, James Shannon.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rheta Jean (Fleming) Peterka on August 15, 1997; his son, Robert “Bobby” Peterka on April 10, 1978; and his parents.
Calling Hours will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1st, at the DUCRO FUNERAL SERVICES AND CREMATORY, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio.
A Private Family Service will be held Saturday. The Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Long, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Alexander Harper Cemetery, Unionville, with Full Military Honors provided by American Legion, Dewey Howlett Post #103.
Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, First Presbyterian Church or the Kiwanis Club.
Obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.
