George Peto Jr.

George Peto, Jr.'s amazing life ended peacefully on July 5, 2016. He was surrounded by his loving daughter Nancy and son George Lee, and his beloved dachshund, Trixie, as he took his last breaths.

George was born near Akron, Ohio, on September 18, 1922, to George, Sr. and Elizabeth Peto. He often described himself as a "Hard Luck Kid," and his journey to earn this nickname began in his childhood where he had many unique and colorful experiences. These inexplicable situations would follow George his entire life. His exceptional memory was remarkable, and he could recall vividly even his ornery childhood, including being curious enough about poison ivy at age five to take a handful from his dad and chew it up and swallow it. He was also ever mindful of any clever opportunity to make money, like selling water crickets for a penny each and peddling muskrat pelts for a dollar.

His penchant for excitement and travel led him to join the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) at age fifteen. George had many more story-worthy adventures, as well as two years of rough labor in CCC camps in Utah and Chillicothe, Ohio. He was always learning new skills that would stay with him the rest of his life.

After his time in the CCC, George hitchhiked all over the United States, but especially out west, including down into Mexico. His travels and experiences during this time could be a movie, interspersed with danger, humor and his characteristic "hard luck" situations that are near impossible to believe happened. George's interest in people along with his natural charm and wit led him to meet numerous interesting characters, which led to even more stories, such as spending a week in Yellowstone with a couple who were teachers, or spending a few days at a rancher's house on an orange orchard in California.

On August 5, 1941, George became a Marine, an event that would brand him until his last breath. His 32 continuous months of combat experience in the horrific Pacific battles of New Guinea, Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, and Okinawa were spent in the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. While in the Marines, George was trained and served as a machine gunner, mortarman, forward observer for the 81 mm mortars, and NBC NCO, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His unbelievable recall and the intensity of the details in these battles have spurred numerous book authors to include his memories, including Hell in the Pacific and Marines Dodging Death. Television programs also saw how incredible George's service record was, and he took part in several series, including more than one on the History Channel. This past December, Gary Sinise's Soaring Valor program and the National World War II Museum in New Orleans flew George and his son to the museum to honor him on a new exhibit which features George's voice sharing his recollections of a battle.

After his military service, George married his wife Juanita in 1948, and they were inseparable until her death in 2013. While together they raised their two children, Nancy and George Lee, owned and ran a carryout called The Loop in Columbus, and spent many happy retirement years together. George and his best friend and fellow Marine Joe Dodge began speaking to school and community groups about their military experiences in 2000. Their presence was always a popular event, as no one could tell it like they could. Over the years, they enlightened and entertained thousands of students in central Ohio. He also spent hundreds of hours assisting his daughter in helping different Scout groups as well as other community service endeavors, like serving countless times on a funeral detail with an Honor Guard. George received numerous accolades and awards for his efforts to help others, including being inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in 2009. Five years later his service in the Marines was properly celebrated when he went on an Honor Flight with his good friend Claudia Bartow as his Guardian. George was also a life member of the Marine Corps League, Belleau Wood Detachment 508, American Legion Post 185, Ada, and VFW Post 4719, Gahanna. He stayed very active in his later years, still bow hunting, gardening and even splitting wood two days before his passing.

Anyone who met George will never forget his intelligence, charm, humor and stories. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved children, Nancy and George Lee, as well as his faithful companion, Trixie, nephews David and James Shilling, Gregory Darson and numerous special friends.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Newcomer Funeral, NE Chapel, 3047 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43231 followed by Funeral Services at 7:00pm. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at Hasson Cemetery, 21699 Township Rd. 59 Jenera, OH 45841 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marine Corps League Belleau Wood Detachment 508, 850 Inwood Pl. Columbus, OH 43224 in George's honor.