Captain Peter "Pete" Caldwell Ammon

On Saturday, September 12, 2020, Captain Peter “Pete” Caldwell Ammon, USN (Retired), faithful husband of Lee and wise father and shepherd of 5 children and 11 grandchildren, departed this world and entered into eternal life. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward C. and Helen “Honey” (neé Gould) and his older brother David G. Ammon.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years LeEdda “Lee” (aka “Sissy,” neé Dannehower) and his children Peter Jr. (wife Jane; children Peter III and Bill), Robin (husband Ron Feick; children Alex & wife Lauren), Mark (wife Julie; children Rachel & husband Dan Quigley, and Logan), Drew (wife Tammie; children Kelly, Cara, and Brian) and Roger (wife Karen; children Emily, Christy, and Jenny).

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the start of the Great Depression, Pete learned the importance of hard work, perseverance and faith. As the father of 5 exuberant children born within an 8 year span, these were all tested and he eventually learned patience as well. He told Lee when the children were entering their teen years that “God gave us teenagers to keep us on our knees.” The two of them must have spent plenty of time praying because the kids all turned out OK.

Pete graduated with the Norristown High School Class of 1947. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) for 4 years before enlisting in the Navy and completed his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA).

While at M.I.T., Pete’s roommate set him up on a blind date with a young woman named Lee from Pete’s hometown who was also living in Boston. They have been together ever since. Following their early days in Boston, Pete and Lee have resided in Oak Harbor, Washington, Naha, Okinawa, Caracas and Barinas, Venezuela, and Lafayette Hill, Valley Forge, West Chester (Hershey’s Mill), and Downingtown (Freedom Village), Pennsylvania.

Pete served in the U.S. Naval Air Force in the mid 1950’s as a pilot flying the Lockheed P-2 Neptune aircraft (designated P2V) on reconnaissance missions with the Pacific Fleet, and continued his military service in the Navy Reserves at Willow Grove Naval Air Station from 1960-1978, attaining the rank of Captain.

Pete, along with his young family, spent the first 3 years following his active military service in Caracas, Venezuela working for the General Tire Franchise with his father. Upon returning to the States, he became a Sales Engineer with J.V. Calhoun Company in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. After 16 years, he continued representing the same Manufacturers’ Distribution Lines when they were acquired by Tate Engineering (based in Baltimore, MD) and retired as Vice President and General Manager of Tate’s Philadelphia office after 21 years.

A man of deep faith, Pete was a member of Trinity Assembly of God Church in West Chester PA. He was active in Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International-Valley Forge Chapter. Over the years he served as Lay Leader at St. Matthews Methodist Church (Wayne PA), Sunday School Teacher at Church of the Saviour (Wayne, PA), and Chaplain Volunteer at Norristown State Hospital. Pete also volunteered as a Tutor with the Chester County Adult Literacy Program for 15 years, helping adult learners develop and improve their reading skills.

A lifelong athlete, Pete enjoyed running, biking, skiing, boating and tennis. Beginning as a cross country track star on the PIAA State Champion team at Norristown High School, he was jogging for exercise long before it was popular. Pete was also manager of his high school tennis team and continued to play the game into his 80’s as a member of the Hershey’s Mill Tennis Club. He taught his children to ski at Wissahickon Ski Club and on regular trips to the Poconos. Later he dragged them to the Chesapeake Bay every weekend to waterski until they learned to love that too.

While he will surely be missed, we rejoice that he is with Jesus, dancing and singing with the angels; sans walker, sans hearing aids, sans glasses.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a private memorial service for immediate family will be held. Memorial donations may be sent to Trinity Assembly of God Church, 1022 Pottstown Pike, West Chester, PA 19380.

Cremation Society of Berks County, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.

For online condolences, visit www.BerksCremations.com

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