Milford

Peter P. Staats, 83, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2014 at the Veterans Home in Oxford.

He was born on September 10, 1931 in Guttenberg, NJ; the son of Peter and Anna (Gater) Staats.

Peter married Helena Rexer on October 8, 1961 in Bergenfield, NJ.

He served in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1955. He worked as a pipe fitter on the USS Platte and the USS Ajax.

Peter worked for the Town of Leona, NJ for 13 years before moving to Milford in 1973. He worked for several lumber companies before retiring to take care of his wife that became ill. He also worked part-time as a truck driver for Hawley's Auto Recycle.

He was a member of the Leona Fire Department for 13 years and a member of the Saltwater Anglers of Bergen County, NJ.

Peter is survived by his sons, John and his wife Wanda, Bob, Fred, Pete and his wife Deborah; his grandchildren, Michael, Kelsie and Cheryl; a sister Joan Staats of Paramus, NJ; sister-in-laws, Jeanette Staats of Ringwood, NJ, Jean Staats of Flushing, NY and Ruth Wess and husband Don of Pagodo, NJ, a brother-in-law Fred Rexer of Grovetown, GA and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Helena, brothers, Art, Ed, Fred, and Joe, sister, Eleanor, a son William and a daughter –in-law Laura Staats.

A graveside service with military honors will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at the Milford Cemetery with the Rev. Frank Maccracken, officiating.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hellerfuneralhome.com.

The Heller Funeral Home in Schenevus is assisting the family.