William Peightel

William Edgar Peightel, 85, of 517 Franklin Heights, Shippensburg, died August 23, 2012 at his home. Born July 27, 1927 in Huntingdon PA, he was the son of the late Edgar and Grace (Smith) Peightel of Huntingdon.

Peightel attended the Huntingdon Public Schools graduating in 1945, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Juniata College in 1949. He received his Master of Science degree in biology (1954) and his Ph.D. degree in biology (1961) from the University of Virginia.

Peightel began his teaching career at Smith High School in Bedford County (1949-52). He taught at Altoona Senior High School from 1952 to 1956. In 1956 he began a 35 year career at Shippensburg University. During this time he served as Chairman of the Science Department (1964-68); Chairman of the Biology Department (1968-86); Coordinator of the Sciences(1968-73); Chairman of the Franklin Science Building Committee (1961-77); and Co-Director of the Health Sciences(1986-91) He was the recipient of a Danforth Foundation Teacher Award.

Peightel was past president of the Shippensburg Lions Club, past president of the Shippensburg Rotary Club, past president of the Shippensburg University Chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Retired Faculty, past president of the Southcentral Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, and past president of the Shippensburg College Club. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science and of the Phi Sigma Society. (National honorary in Biology).

In retirement, Dr. Peightel was a member of the Shippensburg Historical Society, served on the Board of Trustees of the Shippensburg Public Library, was a tutor for the Franklin County Literacy Council, and served on the Finance Committee and as an usher at Memorial Lutheran Church, where he was a member. He served as chair of the Kresge Campaign for the Shippensburg University Foundation, raising a million dollars (which was matched by the Kresge Foundation) to be used for equipment for the Sciences at Shippensburg University. He enjoyed spending time with family and special friends. He was an avid fisherman, including several summer trips to Canada with fellow University retirees.

Peightel was preceded in death by Helen (Roudabush) Peightel, his wife of 58 years, who died in 2007, also a sister Marjorie Newcombe of Bridgewater, NJ who died in 2011. He is survived by three sons: William S. and wife Brenda of Reedsville PA, James A. of Philadelphia PA, and Thomas W. of Lemoyne, PA; two granddaughters, Kathleen M.and fiance’ Evan Edwards of Bellefonte, PA and Lauren K. of Reedsville; and a brother John Peightel of Carson City, NV.

The funeral service will be conducted Friday, August 31, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Memorial Lutheran Church of 34 East Orange Street, Shippensburg, where he was a member. The Reverend Dr. Brenda Kiser will officiate and interment will be in the Spring Hill Cemetery in Shippensburg. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Thursday evening in the Fogelsanger –Bricker Funeral Home , 112 West King Street, Shippensburg, and at the church one hour prior to the service Friday morning.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the William E. Peightel Scholarship Fund at the Shippensburg University Foundation, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257, the Memorial Lutheran Church, 34 East Orange Street, Shippensburg, or the Shippensburg Public Library, 73 West King Street, Shippensburg.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.