IN MEMORIAM
William L. Peters
Aug. 3, 1957–Aug. 30, 2020
COOPERSTOWN – William L. Peters of Towson, Md., died suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020.
Bill was born and raised in Cooperstown, and graduated from Cooperstown Central School in 1975. He then attended Lehigh University, Bethlehem. Pa., where he was president of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and graduated in 1979 with a degree in business administration.
Bill went on to Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. As a commissioned officer, Bill served on the frigate USS Truett while on active duty. In 1988, Bill left active duty, remained in the Navy Reserve, and ultimately retired after 21 years of service as a commander (O-5).
A new career following the Navy is what brought Bill to Baltimore. Bill worked in the banking industry for a number of different banks as a commercial lender, a senior business relationship manager and finally as a credit analyst with Wells Fargo.
Bill and Trina Van Tassell (formerly of Oneonta) were married on July 4, 1992, in Cooperstown. Their son, Michael, was born in 1998. Bill was very involved with Michael’s lacrosse games, as a coach in his early years, as a team parent in later years and as a fan and spectator always. Bill also enjoyed playing tennis and paddle at L’Hirondelle Club.
Bill was a loving, kind and caring husband to Trina and father to Michael, who were his foundation. Bill leaves his two brothers, Ted (Patrice) and Jim (Robin); his sister, Melissa Peters Barry (Tom), and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his brother-in-law, Brian Van Tassell, and mother-in-law, Marilyn Van Tassell, and many truly good friends.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Margaret, and his father-in-law, Morgan Van Tassell.
Funeral plans are currently undecided due to COVID-19. Those wishing to commemorate Bill’s life are encouraged to consider donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or the CLL Society.
Jenifer, Jacob and I were so sorry to hear of this sudden and devastating loss. All our thoughts and prayers of support go out to you and your family at this time.
To Bill’s family, I am so sorry to read of Bill’s passing in the fall Beta Theta Pi magazine. I was a fraternity brother of Bill, in his class and graduated with him in 1979. I was also one of two house managers when Bill was president. If you care to, please contact me by email. My prayers and thoughts are with you and hope you will have always many cherished memories of him.
To Bill’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing – I too was a fraternity brother of Bill’s, and roomed with him at Beta and in Boston when we moved there together in 1980. Bill was a groomsman in my wedding and was a great and loyal friend. I have so many terrific memories of Bill and our time together – please accept my deepest condolences and hope you find peace and comfort in his cherished memory.
John MacDonald