Peter Armand Escola

Peter Escola passed away Monday, September 19, at home, with family and friends.

Peter was born in Merced, CA in 1937 to Allan and Mary Escola.  He grew up in Atwater with his sister, Laura and lots of cousins.  He loved cords, outlets and wires, which served him well after graduating from Merced High and completing an AA degree at MJC in electronics.  He drove bus as a high school senior, then went to MJC from Merced.  He sang in the MJC Choir, making lifelong friends.  He worked for Simplex as a clock/timer technician; he even went to Alcatraz…on a “round-trip” ticket!  For 30 years he worked at Lawrence Livermore National Lab in research and development, support staff to Electronics Engineering. 

Peter chose to walk with God in his late teens and was true to that commitment throughout his life, enjoying fellowship with God’s people in home worship, Bible studies, Gospel meetings with the ministry, conventions around the world and other special gatherings.

He loved to sing and sang to his new bride, Carla Denio of Bakersfield when they were married in 1966.  Two sons, Laif and Brent completed the family.  He loved spending time with them, building “trains” out of chairs and blankets, blocks, legos, Lincoln logs, and later their sporting events, camping, hiking, fishing, college life, traveling, friends, and entertaining.  They moved from Livermore to Ripon in 1983, “back to the Valley!”

Peter and Carla loved to travel together, from the memorable “camping at sea” Windjammer Cruise in the Caribbean, to European river cruises, visits with family in Sweden, Australia, and New Zealand, ministers in Romania, Czech Republic and Chile, Hawaii and cruises to Alaska, Mexico, Panama Canal and Caribbean.

He delighted in his 5 grandchildren and their antics.  He spent time with them in Maui, Lake Tahoe, Uncle Dick’s cabin in Strawberry, skiing, party boating in Pinecrest…all so many memories.  His hobby of creating custom lamps intrigued everyone as well.

Peter is survived by his wife, Carla of 56 years; son Laif (Bronwyn) of Ripon, granddaughters Taryn and Danika; son Brent (Anne) of Scarborough, QLD, Australia, grandchildren Preston, Olivia and Sophie; sister Laura (Mike) McRae; Uncle Dick (Betty) Escola; Uncle Dan (Betty) Loff; nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of dear friends.  His beloved dog Sam misses him!