Peter “Pepsi” Vuletich, 83

YOUNGSTOWN – There will be services at 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church for Peter “Pepsi” Vuletich, 83 who passed away Wednesday morning at his home with his family at his side.
Mr. Vuletich was born July 24, 1923 in Youngstown, the son of Michael and Ethyl (Emry) Vuletich and was a life long area resident.
He retired as a Stationary Engineer with Republic Steel. Peter was an Army veteran of WWII, serving with the 114th engineer battalion from 1943 to 1946. He was best known for his life commitment to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he served as a Local, District and State Commander. Peter also served the VFW as a National Aide De Camp, speaking nationally at conventions and marching for veteran’s rights. He dedicated his time and efforts to area residents who were in need of transportation and advice concerning their veteran’s benefits.
Peter was a member of the church and was involved in numerous church activities.
He is survived by his wife, the former Helen Rice-Dripps, whom he married Jan. 7, 1975; eight children, Bruce (Sally) Dripps of Hubbard, Frank (JoJo) Dripps II of Simi Valley, Calif., Robin Forman of Youngstown, Jeffrey (Joyce) Dripps of Girard, Karen ( Kenneth) Chuey of Youngstown, Barbara (David) Leonard of Big Spring, Texas, James (Kathy) Dripps of Girard and Richard (Diana) Dripps of North Jackson; a son-in-law, Ken Bell of New Castle, more than 40 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Peter was preceded in death by a daughter, Dwanda Bell; five brothers, Sam, Nick, Thomas, Charles and Steve; and two sisters, Sally and Sarah.
Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, where a prayer service will be at 7 p.m., and again from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday with a prayer service at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home and a 10 a.m. service at the church.
Friends and family may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view the obituary and send condolences.