On Independence Day, 2016, with the first draft of his autobiography now complete, George Peto, driven by his daughter Nancy, went over to a Worthington home in the late afternoon to attend a picnic and then watch the evening fireworks. The home had a magnificent view of the display. It was owned by the principal of nearby Thomas Worthington High School, where George had spoken on several veteran occasions.
Now considered somewhat a local celebrity as a special World War II veteran, George was singled out and honored that evening. Two attending young ladies happened to be school alumni and recognized him from when he had spoken at the school over the years. Bubbling, the girls gushed over him and gave him several big hugs. Pleased and happy, George was his usual, talkative self. It turned out to be a very pleasant, satisfying evening.
Nancy drove him home. He was tired from the evening, but he was feeling normal. Knowing that he had another book interview session with co-author Pete Margaritis the next morning, he kissed his daughter goodnight and climbed the stairs to go to sleep, accompanied as usual by his ever-faithful companion, Trixie.
George Peto passed away in his bed that night at 12:51 a.m.
At his funeral service on Tuesday, July 12th, he was given full military honors by his Marine comrades. The next day, he was interred next to his wife Juanita in Hasson Cemetery, in Jenera, Ohio. George had left specific instructions that when Trixie, that vivacious little dog that he loved so much, passes as well, Nancy would have her cremated and buried next to George and his wife, with her image set on the gravestone between George’s and Juanita’s names.
George Peto on his back porch with Trixie, 2015. (Author’s collection)
When your time comes to die, be not like those
whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when
their time comes, they weep and pray for a little more time
to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.
Tecumseh