NERIS, PETER J.

OCEANSIDE – Peter J. Neris, 84, died Tuesday, July 18, 2006.

Born Nov. 29, 1921, in Lowell, Miss., he lived in Oceanside for 32 years. He retired in 1971 from the U.S. Marine Corps as a master gunnery sergeant. He served in World War II in the South Pacific in the 4th Marine Raider Battalion of the 1st Marine Raider Regiment. He received the Purple Heart. From 1946 to 1951 he served in China and Korea, and received a second Purple Heart and a gold star. From 1958 to 1960 he was a drill instructor at Parris Island. He did two tours in Vietnam.

Mr. Neris is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lily M. Neris of Oceanside; sons and daughter-in-law John and Linda Neris of Murrieta, Alex Neris and Peter Neris Jr. of Oceanside; daughter and son-in-law Irene and Wayne Smith of Stockton; sister Liz Keating of Rockford, Ill.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation and viewing with rosary recited are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 23, at Eternal Hills Mortuary, 1999 El Camino Real in Oceanside. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 24, at Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

Eternal Hills Mortuary is handling arrangements.