Harold L. "Porky" Peters

Harold L. “Porky” Peters passed away on August 22, 2025. 

He was born in Elmira, NY on February 1, 1936, the son of William and Mary Mallett Peters. He was a member of Carrington Fuller Post 800 American Legion, a retired member of the Citizens Hook and Ladder Co. #3 of the Groton Fire Department, and a past member of the New Jersey Vehicle Theft Investigators.  He served seven years in the National Guard and Army Reserves.

In 1985, he and his wife moved to New Jersey where they worked in the insurance industry: he as a claim representative and auto insurance fraud investigator. For many years, he portrayed Santa Claus to the delight of children and adults. In 1998, he and his wife retired and moved back to Locke, NY.

Survivors are his son, William H. (Angela) Peters of Abilene, TX; sister-in-law, Patti (Bob) Schwenk of Greenville, NY; cousin, Jackie (Mike) Reinhart, of Elmira, NY; and good pal, Sheldon Meade, of King Ferry, NY.

He was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Wilma Sutliff Peters; a son, Charles Mathew Peters; his brother, George W. Peters; and his special companion of twelve years, Marijane Seamans. 

Graveside interment services with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 27 at Bird Cemetery, Locke. There are no calling hours.

Porky asked that memorial donations be considered to Carrington Fuller Post 800 American Legion, 307 Main St., Groton, NY 13073.

Arrangements are with the Shurtleff Funeral Home, and online condolences may be shared at www.shurtleffservices.com .