Peter Bowman Nelson

Peter B. Nelson, 82, of Meadville, died on Tuesday, June 26th, after a long and valiant struggle against the ravages of Parkinson’s Disease. Born October 20, 1935 in Washington, D.C., Peter was the son of the late Robert Hale and Mabel Bowman Nelson.  Peter began his college career at Drexel University, for which he maintained a lifelong affection, ultimately graduating from the University of Maryland.  He served two years in the Army, acting as a Chaplain’s Assistant.  Following six years as a town manager in Maryland, including time as a volunteer firefighter, he and his young family moved to the Mechanicsburg, PA area. Peter worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for nearly 29 years, initially for the Department of Community Affairs and, later, for the Public Employee Retirement Commission.  He and his wife moved to Wesbury Retirement Community in 2012. Peter was an active member of Silver Spring Presbyterian Church for 40 years, serving as an elder and Clerk of Session, as well as an enthusiastic member of the church’s R.O.A.R (Reach Out And Rebuild) construction team.  He also enjoyed his mentoring work on the Carlisle Presbytery’s Committee on Preparation for Ministry. An avid gardener for many years, Peter later came to love Scottish Country Dancing, especially when it provided an excuse to don his kilt!  He also enjoyed travel, as well as reading about topics as diverse as grammar and military history.  Even when illness began to limit other activities, Peter could be spotted, in his trademark hat, en route to lectures and cultural events.  Peter’s sense of humor, gracious manner, lively mind, love of stories, and generosity of spirit endeared him to many.  His devotion to Allegheny College, his wife’s alma mater, exemplified the way in which he embraced the enthusiasms of his wife and daughter and proudly celebrated their accomplishments. Survivors include his wife of nearly 57 years, Katherine, and their daughter, Margaret, both of Meadville; his sister, Helen, of Moscow, ID; 3 nieces; and many cousins. A memorial service will take place at 11am on Tuesday, July 10th at First Presbyterian Church in Meadville, with the family available to greet visitors as of 10am. Another service, and burial, will occur at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsburg, PA.   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Peter’s memory to Drexel University, to the Wesbury Foundation’s Benevolent Care Fund, or to First Presbyterian Church, Meadville. Please sign the guest book at www.hatheway-tedesco.com Arrangements are being handled by Hathaway-Tedesco Funeral Home and Crematory, 614 Baldwin Street, Meadville, PA.