The campus community mourns the passing of Richard Peterec, 94, who died Monday, January 5. Dick retired after more than 41 years of service to Bucknell as a professor of geography and international relations. Professor Peterec had a lasting impact on Bucknell as a cofounder of the University’s international relations program, now a department. He inspired generations of students to engage with world affairs and continues to be admired by many alumni who had him as a professor.
I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.
On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Dick’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell.
John C. Bravman
President
Richard Peterec, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and professor, passed away on January 5, 2026, at the age of 94.
He was married to his wife, Mary, for 67 years. Together, they had five daughters, to whom he meant the world. Taking care of Mary and his daughters was always at the forefront of his mind.
Richard taught for 41 and a half years at Bucknell University. Over those years, he taught countless students, opening the world for them. As an avid traveler, he led trips that allowed his students to explore parts of the world in exciting ways.
He was alert and curious about the world to the end and kept up with the news daily.
Richard is survived by his wife Mary; his daughters Gretchen (Gonzalo), Ingrid (Joe), Martha, Kristen (Achim), and Sarah (Lenny); eleven grandchildren: Anya, Alexander, Sebastian, Fabian, Elizabeth, Tobias, Catherine, Sara, Antonia, Joseph, and Gabriel; his brother Larry (Barbara); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Olga Peterec, and his brother, Louis Peterec, Jr.
I remember Dick first when I was a brand new faculty member. I was impressed by his intellect and sparkling eyes and smile. Much later, Dick would come by the CSREG office fairly regularly to say hi to his daughter, Martha Shaunessy, CSREG/WGS’s academic assistant. He always had a friendly hello, and the abiding love between him and his daughter were palpable. Dick has had a tremendous impact at Bucknell among colleagues and students and was a deeply devoted family member. Fondly, Coralynn
Dick was a generous man and excellent teacher. In 1976, he took pity on me, an unemployed recent MA in Geography, and hired me as his assistant. Over the next several years, I learned how deeply he loved his students, and how much they loved him. Peterec classes were practically standing room only. My condolences to Mary and the family.