Peter C. Alecxih, Sr., of Manor Township, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Tate Alecxih; his mother, Vida Alecxih Shank; his brother, Donald Alecxih; and his stepbrother, John Shank.
Pete is survived by his wife of more than 70 years, Sara (Sally) Herr Alecxih; their seven children and spouses—Karen Worral (David), Jane Boyd (Mark), Peter Alecxih (Alecia), Beth Simpson (William), Sarah Bauder, Sandra Beers (Bruce), and James Alecxih (Teresa); twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; and nephews: Donald, Bruce, and Michael Alecxih.
His family remembers him as a man of humor, generosity, exciting Naval stories, and steady decisiveness.
Born in Huntingdon, PA, and raised in Steelton, Pete graduated from Steelton High School, where he served as president of his senior class and co-captain of the championship football team. In 1948, before completing high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve and served until his graduation in 1950.
Pete entered the United States Naval Academy that same year and graduated on June 4, 1954. Two days later, he married the love of his life, Sally Herr, in the Naval Academy Chapel.
During his years at the Academy, Pete came to faith in Jesus Christ—a turning point that shaped the rest of his life. As he once shared, an underclassman faithfully woke him early for midshipmen-led Bible studies, through which he came to understand who Christ is and committed his life to Him in the autumn of 1952. For more than forty years, Pete and Sally were devoted members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Pete served as a Ruling Elder and frequently taught Sunday School. In retirement, he continued to lead men’s Bible studies, a ministry he cherished deeply.
Pete served nearly twenty years as a Naval Aviator in the United States Navy. His assignments included Officer-in-Charge of the Navy Nuclear Weapons School and teaching Engineering at the Naval Academy. He earned an MBA from The George Washington University and served at sea aboard the USS Wasp with its air group and on the USS Independence as Flight Deck Officer. In 1968, he transferred to the United States Naval Reserve, continuing to fly while beginning a new chapter of life in Lancaster County. He retired from the Navy in 1978.
After moving his family to Lancaster, Pete purchased Herr’s Fruit Farm from his father-in-law, Robert Herr, believing a farm would be an ideal place to raise seven children. With the support of his in-laws, skilled employees, and Penn State University Extension Office, he learned the art and challenge of growing quality fruit for Lancaster County markets—all while continuing to fly with the Naval Reserve. Life on the farm became a treasured season for the family, filled with hard work, shared meals, and the steady rhythm of orchard life.
With many of his children attending Penn Manor schools, a friend encouraged Pete to run for the School Board. He was elected twice and ultimately served as Board President.
After concluding his flying career, he founded the Central Manor Flying Club to support aspiring pilots and licensed aviators without aircraft of their own. With the help of friends, he built an FAA-approved airport on his farm and established Central Manor Aviation Company to operate it.
In 1982, Pete accepted a position teaching business in the newly formed Business Department at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. He and Sally sold the farm and moved south, where he taught for more than five years. Though they enjoyed their time in Texas, their hearts remained in Lancaster County, and they returned home in 1987.
In 1994, Pete was asked to manage Reese Powdered Metal Company, a role he accepted and held until his retirement.
Pete and Sally enjoyed their retirement together with winter trips to Florida, sailing on the Chesapeake Bay with friends, and celebrating countless visits, milestones, and gatherings with their growing family. Above all, Pete leaves a legacy of faith, devotion, and steadfast love.
The Memorial Service honoring Pete’s life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:30 P.M. The Visitation, with the family, will begin at 1:15 P.M. Private interment will be in Westminster Presbyterian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to: Lancaster Bible College, Advancement Office, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA, 17601. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Mountville/ Columbia. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.
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