Craig W. Peterson

Rev. Craig Warren Peterson, of Frazer Township (Tarentum), Pennsylvania, was born on June 28, 1954, and went home to the arms of his Father on August 12, 2026. Waiting to welcome him to his mansion on the streets of gold were his parents, Jack and Etta (Gillis) Peterson; his in-laws, David and June (Yute) McPherson; his wife of 42 years, Kathleen (McPherson) Peterson; his brother-in-law Matt McPherson; his sister-in-law Amy (McPherson) Sweazy; nieces Tracy, Emily and Leona; nephew Roman; his dear friends George and Marina; and many parishioners and siblings in Christ.

He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca "Becky" (Peterson) Willis of Kittanning, and his son, Jack Peterson of New Castle; his grandchildren, Arianna, Evan, Ava, Isla, and Emmett; his brothers, Ron (Phyllis) Peterson and Dan (Sue) Peterson; his sister, Ruth (Steve) Grbach; many brothers- and sisters-in-law; and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends who were family by every measure but blood.

Craig was a graduate of East Allegheny High School, Clarion University, and United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Before he was called to preach, he was called to show up: he served as an EMT and a volunteer with the Wall Fire Department, and he worked at Westinghouse Air Brake. He never really stopped doing either job. He just traded the ambulance for the altar.

For thirty-one years, Craig served as an ordained minister of the Global Methodist Church (formerly United Methodist) across Western Pennsylvania and Western Ohio. He and Kathy raised their family in the parsonages of Port Barnett, Meade Chapel, Wren, Normalville, Pleasant Hill, Emerickville, Townville, Troy Center, Rogers Chapel, Ford Memorial, Manorville, Union Avenue, East Brady, and Sligo. 

He liked to call himself a "fisher of men," and he took the metaphor seriously in both directions. Craig loved the water — especially his pontoon boat in Canada, where the fishing was good and the phone didn't work. 

Following retirement, Craig kept doing what he had taught everyone else to do — he kept showing up for worship, attending Milford Church (Somerset) and New Life Center (Ford City) through their online services. Craig never once wondered where he was going. He's got a friend in Jesus, and he's gone on up to the spirit in the sky. Play it loud.

Arrangements are being handled by Charles B. Jarvie Funeral Home (Springdale). At Craig's request, there will be no viewing, and he will be cremated. A celebration of his life will be held later this summer, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to New Life Center (Ford City).

It isn't goodbye. As he'd tell you: bye for now.

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