Peter O. Gante

Peter Oswald Gante, 82, passed away Thursday morning, April 17, 2025, at The Birches in Harleysville, PA, where he lived for the last several years. He was born in Philadelphia and formally lived on Erwin Street, in the Somerton section of the city his entire life.

Born on September 23, 1942, he was the only child of the late William and Erna (Seidel) Gante. Peter graduated from Northeast High School and then went on to further his education, obtaining degrees in Political Science from Union College and Lindsey Wilson College. After college, Peter went on to serve overseas in the United States Army from 1967-1969, obtaining the rank of SP4 and getting specialized training as an Intel Analyst. After completing his service to our country, Peter was part of the Army reserves until his honorable discharge in October of 1973. Peter then served the city faithfully as a Police Officer for the City of Philadelphia until his retirement. 

Peter was an active member of St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church for many years where he volunteered in the church office and in its record keeping. Peter held an amateur radio license and was active and licensed until 2023. He enjoyed traveling and seeing the world, working on genealogy projects, was an avid reader and had a collection of many rare books. Peter donated his vast book collection to The Library Company of Philadelphia, an organization that he was a long-time member of. Peter was also a member of the National Fraternal Order of Police and the Retired R.F.P.G Association in Philadelphia. He was a partner, father and grandfather and will be missed by many.

Surviving is his longtime partner in life and love, Barbara Long, of Limerick PA, and his son Peter Long and his wife, Andrea, of Sanatoga, PA. Peter is also survived by his stepdaughter Karen Underkoffler and her husband, Donald, of Collegeville, PA. Peter leaves behind six grandchildren, Alex Long, Justin Mason (Shane), Amber Werner (Scott), Jacob Mason, Brianna Mason, and Ashton Underkoffler, and friends and an extended family that he made at The Birches that will miss him deeply.  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Graveside Memorial Service with Military Honors, 11 AM Thursday, May 1, 2025, at William Penn Cemetery, 13041 Bustleton Avenue, Phila., PA 19116. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to The Birches at Harleysville Employee Appreciation Fund, 691 Main Street Harleysville, PA 19438, or to The Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust Street Philadelphia, PA 19107.

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