Mayor Peter Ranere dies
Hammontonian remembered for his lifetime of service
HAMMONTON—Peter T. Ranere Jr., 96, of Hammonton, died peacefully at home on Sunday, May 16. A devoted family man and former mayor of Hammonton, he was born and raised in Hammonton at the Ranere Estates home, which is still located on the White Horse Pike as part of the AtlantiCare Health Park at Hammonton. He attended the Hammonton School System and Brown Prep School in Philadelphia, graduating in 1943. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and a law degree from Rutgers University.
He returned to Hammonton in 1952 as part owner of the family business, P.T. Ranere Inc. Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac, until his retirement in 1987.
Ranere was elected to Hammonton Town Council in the mid-1960s and elected as mayor in 1971. He also served as Hammonton Municipal Airport Administrator from 1987 to 1998.
Mayor Stephen DiDonato commented on Ranere and his service to the community.
“Mr. Ranere lived a long and full life. Hammonton was blessed to have his leadership. He was a true gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time,” DiDonato said.
Former Mayor Edward Marinelli also commented on the lifetime Ranere dedicated to Hammonton.
“He was certainly a credit to the town of Hammonton and the people that he served. He was everybody’s friend and will be missed,” Marinelli said.
Ranere belonged to many local civic organizations, including the Hammonton Rotary Club where he served as president. He was a member of the American Legion Post 186 and the VFW. He was elected to the board of First Federal Savings and Loan in 1963 and named vice-chairman in 1982. Most recently, Ranere was an active member of the Hammonton Canoe Club and enjoyed his time there with the members playing Pinochle.
Aside from public service, Ranere had a passion for aviation and was a recreational pilot for many years. He also enjoyed golfing but his favorite pastime of all was traveling North America in his RV with his wife Rita by his side. They were active members of the Holiday Ramblers RV Travel Club Chapter 22 and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada. They visited almost all 50 states at least once. He was also a loyal Villanova Basketball fan.
Ranere is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Rita (nee Tomasco) Ranere; his parents, Peter T. Ranere Sr. and Mary (nee Campanella) Ranere; his brothers, Charles and Dominick Ranere; and his sisters, Marie Kern and Louise Phillis. He is survived by his children, Nancy Scianni (Frank), Donna Ranere (Jim Schmidt) and Peter III (Dawn); and his grandchildren, John Scianni (Michelle), Carolyn Scianni, Emily Schmidt, Hilary Schmidt, Peter T. Ranere IV and Dana Ranere.
Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing on May 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Marinella Funeral Home, 102 N. Third St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish – St. Joseph Church, Third & French Streets. Entombment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, 500 N. White Horse Pike. Arrangements made by Marinella Funeral Home.