YORK, Pa. — John J. "Jack" Peters, 76, died peacefully Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 at Select Specialty Hospital of York Hospital with his family by his side.

He was the companion of Debra Price for 18 years.

Viewings will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at John W. Keffer Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. 2114 West Market St., York, and 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick Church 231 South Beaver St. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Samuel Houser as celebrant.

Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Peters was born April 18, 1933 in Piedmont, W.Va., a son of the late Joseph (Butrus) and Catherine (Seufert) Peters. He attended secondary school at LaSalle Christian Brothers School in Cumberland, Md.

He studied at the Franciscan Monastary in Washignton, D.C., was ordained a priest, and served as Vocational Director for the U.S. He led retreats and pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

After leaving the monastary, he met and married Donna (Ponticelli) Peters Knappenberger of Allentown. They settled in York around 1972 and raised four children.

He was involved in York City politics, serving as City Controller with Mayors Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Althouse.

Jack's prior education led him into teaching. First as a Latin teacher at Susquehanna High School, and later as a Latin and Greek professor at York College of PA. He retired from York Suburban Senior High School following 15 years of service, as a teacher of Latin, English, and Philosophy. He was a member of St. Patrick Church, and a life member of the Victory AA.

Jack is survived by his sister, Mary Stakem of Germantown, Md.; six nieces and nephews; a second cousin, Ron Seufert of New Freedom; four children Michael Peters of Lancaster, John Peters and wife Jayanthi of Ohio, Jennifer Burgher and husband Michael of Allentown, and Anthony of Florida; grandchildren, Nathan, Cecelia, Samuel, Tobias, and Erich; companion, Debra Price, her children Brandy Hunter and Joshua Price; and all the members of the Brenner Family, his "adopted" family.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be collecting non-perishable and personal hygiene items to be donated to the Catholic Harvest Food Pantry. Please drop off before the service.