Peter McGee, Sr.

Peter McGee, Sr., 93, of Northampton passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at his residence. He was the husband of the late Mary J. (Schubert) McGee for 61 years until her death on December 17, 2015. Peter was born in Bethlehem on August 7, 1931 to the late James J. McGee and Mary Margaret (Pilzer) McGee. At the age of 17, and with his mother’s signature, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, exemplifying his commitment to his country while stationed in Japan during the Korean War. He served with the 68th All Weather Fighter Squadron and was the only Crew Chief of two fighter planes. Following his military service, he completed his high school education graduating from Bethlehem Catholic High School, Class of 1954. He then graduated from Penn State School of Labor Studies. Pete served as an Executive Board Member and Recording Secretary for the Heat and Frost Insulators Union Local #23. He was also responsible for many of the big projects for the insulators at Bethlehem Steel, including the Basic Oxygen Furnace.
Peter was a member of the Edward H. Ackerman American Legion Post 397, Hellertown and the VFW. He and his late wife, Mary, taught ballroom and round dancing nationally and internationally for many years. A devoted member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church he also belonged to the Knights of Columbus as a 3rd and 4th Degree Knight with Council # 4754. 

Survivors: children; Michele L. "Micki" Lerch of Northampton; Kevin M. McGee (Deb Amico) of Palmerton, Lawrence P. (Susan) McGee of York, William B. (Patricia) McGee of Northampton; grandchildren: Jason M (Megan) Lerch, Alison K. (Jeremy) Bruce of Moore Twsp, Eric (Tathiana) of Allentown, Magdelena (Matthew) Berchtold of York, Ava (Llywelyn) McGee of Philadelphia, 
William McGee of Philadelphia, Benjamin McGee of Philadelphia; great grandchildren: Emily K. Filchner of Moore Twsp, Jared M. Filchner of Moore Twsp, Piper A Lerch, Quade H. Lerch, and Dax R. Lerch, all of College Hill and Gabriella Ruiz of Allentown; step grandchildren: Tawny (Joseph) Kane of Albrightsville; step great grandchildren: Emily Bruce of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Jacob Bruce of Northampton, Collin Pauley, Alexa Pauley, and Grace Kane all of Albrightsville.
Predeceased in death by, 3 infant children and son: Peter McGee of Northampton and formerly of High Point and Greensboro, NC; grandson: L. Patrick McGee, Jr. of York; granddaughter: Caitlyn E. McGee of York; brothers: James J. McGee, Jr. of Bethlehem, Joseph T. McGee of Quakertown, Richard H. McGee of Bethlehem and sister: Theresa R. (Patrick) D’Emilio of Allentown.

Service: Family and friends are invited to his viewings from 6-8pm Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem and 10-11am Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church, 1861 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. The interment with Military Honors will conclude services at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Condolences may be offered online at www.connellfuneral.com