Peter E. Kingsley of Strasburg, Pa went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, 2025.

Pete was born in Bar Harbor, Maine on October 17, 1940, the son of Phillip W. Kingsley and Eleanor Kingsley Ryan. Pete married the love of his life, Janet, for almost 64 years and raised a beautiful family including two sons; Peter T. Kingsley, wife Kim, and Jon Kingsley, wife Cindy, and one daughter; Kim Ingram, husband Stick. Pete was very proud of his children and their spouses and all of his grandchildren; Brandon Sheaffer, wife Julia, Darren Sheaffer, wife Casey, Ben Kingsley, wife Jackie, Zack Kingsley, Ellie Kingsley, Samantha Ingram, Cassidy Ingram, and Jack Ingram. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Hayden and Harlow Sheaffer, Blaine and Delaney Sheaffer. He and Janet supported them all in so many ways, and attended sporting events, music recitals, and theatrical events with equal enthusiasm.

Pete is also survived by his youngest sister, Barbara Hirtle, whom he loved more than you can imagine.

Pete was proceeded in death by two sisters Joan Kingsley and Nan Stansbury.

Pete graduated from AB Davis High School in Mount Vernon, NY. He immediately went to work (for those of you who knew Pete, you know that is so true) for AT&T. In 1967 he started his own business – Pete Kingsley Building & Excavating which he continued to run for over 30 years. Many developments in our area are blessed with a custom home built by Pete. After he retired from the building industry, Pete kept up his CDL license and started a new adventure – he and Janet drove his big rig loaded with Amish goods across the United States to attend Amish Guild and Craft shows. He continued driving, working for Ryder, and transporting Amish until just a few days before he passed.

Pete had a special place in his heart for his community. He was an active member of the Strasburg Jaycees beginning in 1967. He was a JCI Senator and during his presidency, the Jaycees were instrumental in initiating the football programs started in our area. If you grew up in the area, you have fond memories of attending the great Jaycee Park festivals that were a staple for years. Pete was a driving force in the purchasing of the land on Miller Street that is now The Strasburg Jaycee Park. In 2023, the park dedicated the basketball courts in his name. Until his passing, Pete was an active board member of the park where he helped with too many events to list.

Pete was also an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church along with Janet. He served in many capacities including the head of the board of trustees, and he loved helping to organize the maintenance of the buildings and grounds. Perhaps his most memorable role was as a wise man in the annual church Christmas Pageant, in which many of his children and grandchildren were a part.

Pete loved hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors. He and Janet served as treasurer of The Unified Sportsman of Pennsylvania for many years. Pete was an advocate for hunters as well as wildlife. He and Janet shared a hunting camp in the mountains of Pa, which took him through the small town of Renovo. In 1986, Pete and Janet purchased the old YMCA in that town and renovated it to its former glory. They started a youth center in which they were active for almost ten years. After the main building was sold, Pete and Janet donated a section to become the Western Clinton County Youth Center.

Pete will be missed by so many. He touched more lives than we can imagine. So, when you walk through the woods, eat a good meal, take a buck, catch a fish, watch a great basketball game or witness a Red Sox win, think of him and smile.

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, his family will receive visitors at Wesley United Methodist Church, from 9-11 am, with the memorial service at 11am. Friends are invited to The Strasburg Jaycee Park at 218 Miller Street, from Noon to 4 PM for food & fellowship at one of Pete's favorite places. The family will provide the main course, if you are able, please bring a side to share, a lawn chair, & your stories about Pete for the celebration picnic.

Please omit flowers and kindly consider a contribution in Pete's memory to Wesley U.M. Church, 40 W. Main St, Strasburg, PA 17579 Wesley United Methodist Church or Jaycee Park, P.O. Box 45, Strasburg, PA 17579 Jaycee Park or Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 103, Bainbridge, PA 17502 Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania

Matthew 25:21 – Well done, good and faithful servant.