Mainert J. Peterson, Jr.

Mainert Jordan Peterson, Jr., better known as “Sandy”, died peacefully the morning of March 10, 2026 at Cleveland Clinic Hospital after a brief illness at the age of 80. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey on April 8, 1945 and was employed at Fairfield Teachers’ Agency, Fairfield, CT. for over forty-five years as a headhunter for teachers/principals in the tri-state area, and successfully placed thousands of candidates. He lived happily in retirement with his wife in Vero Beach until his passing.

As a young boy, Sandy was a member of the Saint Thomas Choir School, whose boys performed regularly in Saint Thomas Episcopal Church on Fifth Avenue, NYC. From there he attended St. Mark’s Preparatory School in Southborough, Mass., and went on to Yale University, where he set a record in the standing broad jump his freshman year! He completed his higher education at Springfield College, Springfield, Mass., from which he received his B.S. in Physical Education, and the University of Bridgeport, from which he received a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology. A born athlete, he was an all-American soccer player and 4.5 competitive tennis player.

Sandy is survived by his wife of 35 years, Carol Lynn; his children Laurie, Matthew, and Lindsey (husband Jessie) by his first wife Leslie Dillon; and four grandchildren–Logan, Ethan, Jessie, and Memphis, along with his beloved kitties, Charlie and Teddy. He also leaves behind three younger siblings–Ginny, Charlie, and Chrissy, and brother-in-law Dave Davis. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Virginia & Reverend Mainert Peterson. During his retirement years, Sandy developed a love of nature photography and took thousands of pictures throughout Florida and, in particular, at T.M. Goodwin Wildfowl Management Area in Fellsmere, which he visited every Thursday. He and his wife were active with several environmental groups, including Pelican Island Preservation Society (PIPS), for which he acted as designated photographer.

Pre-retirement hobbies included fossil hunting, soccer, tennis, skiing, and gardening; in retirement he took up beach walking, kayaking, snorkeling, crosswords/Sudokus, and card games with friends. He also frequently served on his condo association’s Board and served once as president. A number of his framed bird photos are on the front lobby walls at Riverwalk Condo Association, where he resided.

Sandy was both a gentle man and a true “gentleman,” beloved and respected by all who knew him. Always an optimist, he met all of life’s challenges head on and was a true friend, devoted husband, and loving father. He lived by a strong moral code and brought out the best in everyone, never uttering a harsh word. He will be deeply missed.

There will be no funeral or memorial service, other than a private cremation for his wife and children.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Indian River Land Trust, Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, FL, 32963 or Friends of the St. Sebastian River (FSSR), P.O. Box 284, Roseland, FL 32957.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.