OBITUARY: Peter DePetris, Founder of Electro-Dyn Choke Corp.

Peter S. DePetris, 75, of the Town of Niagara, N.Y., died Saturday, June 14, at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital, Lewiston, N.Y., following a lengthy illness. For many years, he worked at Carborundum, Globar Division, designed very unique automated machines, and was in charge of all maintenance. In 1973, Mr. DePetris left Carborundum to fulfill his dreams and founded Electro-Dyn Choke Corp. Peter invented and patented the very first solid-state electric choke, which became a worldwide fixture in the automotive industry. Additionally, Peter designed the problem solving CS130 and Ford IAR 2G rectifier. Peter has been awarded numerous other patents. He was an artist, pilot and inventor.

NIAGARA, N.Y. — Peter S. DePetris, 75, of the Town of Niagara, N.Y., died Saturday, June 14, at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital, Lewiston, N.Y., following a lengthy illness. Born on March 6, 1933, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., he was the son of the late Joseph and Caroline (Chiulli) DePetris.

DePetris was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, N.Y., and attended local schools. Peter obtained a diploma from Texas A&E School in mechanical, electrical and hydraulic technology. In addition, he studied Engineering Design at the University of Texas. Peter served in the United States Airforce, during the Korean Conflict, where he earned his honorable discharge. From 1956 to 1963 Peter was employed by Bell Aircraft as a Senior Rocket Engineering Technician and Technical Engineer. Peter was instrumental in the design of the re-start engine of the Agena Rocket known as the "workhorse of the Space Age.”

For many years, he worked at Carborundum, Globar Division, designed very unique automated machines, and was in charge of all maintenance. In 1973, Mr. DePetris left Carborundum to fulfill his dreams and founded Electro-Dyn Choke Corp. Peter invented and patented the very first solid-state electric choke, which became a worldwide fixture in the automotive industry. Additionally, Peter designed the problem-solving CS130 and Ford IAR 2G rectifier. Peter has been awarded numerous other patents. He was an artist, pilot and inventor. Peter loved spending time with his family.

DePetris is survived by three children, Peter S. DePetris, Jr. of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Carolyn Viola of Town of Niagara, N.Y., and Timothy C. (nee Jamie Rangatore) DePetris of the Town of Niagara, N.Y.; eight grandchildren, Catherine, Susan and Christina DePetris, Danielle, Vincenza and Francesca Viola and Timmy and Alyssa DePetris and three great-grandchildren. Peter is also survived by two sisters, Margaret (late Joseph) Antonelli of Tuscan, Ariz., and Rose (late Nick) Maraldo of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada; former wife of 29 years, Rev. Alice DePetris Feucht; his faithful dog companion and best friend, T.M. and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by four brothers and sisters, Josephine (late Simone) Quattrociocchi, Carmen (late Virginia) DePetris, John (Marilyn of Niagara Falls, N.Y.) DePetris and Anna D’Angelo.