Fresno philanthropist, ethnic Armenian Pete Peters dies at 94

PanARMENIAN.Net - Pete Peters, one of Fresno’s leading philanthropists died at his home on March 13. He was 94, Fresno Bee reported.

The youngest son of Armenian immigrants, Mr. Peters helped his brother, Leon S. Peters, grow Valley Foundry and Machine Works. The firm made everything from wine-grape crushers to ship winches.

Mr. Peters gave generously to Community Regional Medical Center, California State University, Fresno, and other community organizations. He was instrumental in the building of Community's burn center. And he helped establish the Alice A. Peters Nursing Scholarship (honoring his brother's wife) that has helped numerous nurses complete their education.

Community Medical Centers will soon announce a sizable commitment to Clovis Community Medical Center that will add to Mr. Peters' contributions, said Robert V. Saroyan, vice president of development at Community Medical Foundation.

Mr. Peters was known to show up unannounced and unaccompanied at Community Regional Medical Center and Clovis Community, where he was known as "Uncle Pete." He'd walk through the hospital, greet people and make his own assessment of how things were working, Saroyan said.

"He didn't need an entourage," Saroyan said. "He wasn't that kind of guy."

Mr. Peters joined his brother's company in 1939 as a machinist. A self-trained engineer, Mr. Peters is credited for creating a design for a stainless steel circular tank that has been used for decades by winemakers around the world.

In 1969, Valley Foundry was sold to AMETEK Inc., and Mr. Peters continued as vice president. He was named CEO after his brother's death in 1983.

Mr. Peters retired in 1989 and remained active in the community, creating and running a charitable organization that has donated millions to Valley organizations.

Mr. Peters created and served as chairman of the board of the Pete P. Peters Foundation. He also oversaw the Leon S. Peters Foundation.

Together the two foundations have donated to numerous organizations, including Fresno State, Community Regional Medical Center, Valley Public Television, the San Joaquin River Parkway and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County.