08/20/2026
Remembering My Father, Peter C. Bandy — 1924–2026
My father, Peter C. Bandy, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the remarkable age of 102.
Looking at these photographs, it is difficult to comprehend the span of one life.
The young man in the military portrait served during World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Forces. As a B-17 waist gunner with the 359th Bomb Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group, he completed 35 combat missions in the European Theater. His decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.
Peter returned home after the war and built a life as a husband, father and businessman. He opened the Polar Bear luncheonette in Millville, New Jersey, later became a licensed cosmetologist, and spent decades owning and operating hair salons with my mother, Helen. Even after leaving salon ownership, he continued working with longtime clients, nursing homes and funeral directors until finally retiring in 1990.
My parents shared 68 years of marriage before my mother passed away in 2013.
Dad was also active in his faith and community, serving for years on the Parish Council at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and maintaining his connection to fellow veterans through Eleftheria VFW Post 6633.
But those accomplishments are only part of his story.
The young airman in that military photograph had become a 102-year-old man who could still appreciate life's simple moments. That is an image of my father I want to hold onto.
He leaves behind four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren — generations of family that grew from the life he and my mother built together.
I am proud of what my father accomplished, grateful for the example he gave us, and especially grateful that we were fortunate enough to have him on this earth for 102 years.
From a young man flying combat missions over Europe in 1944 to the photograph of him sitting on a park bench at 101, there are nearly eight decades between those two images.
Quite a life. Rest in peace, Dad.
A viewing will be held Friday, August 21 at 10:00 AM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 7921 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at 12:30 PM at Fernwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
