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William “Bill” Peterson passed away at his home in Vero Beach, Florida on September 17, 2020 at the age of 91. Bill was born on June 14, 1929 in Rockville Centre, NY. His parents, Jonas Elof Peterson and Thea Christina Gustavson immigrated from Sweden and settled in Long Island where they raised six children.
Bill is preceded in death by three sisters- Astrid Peterson Otten, Alma Peterson Cooper, Ethel Peterson Horr and two brothers- Phillip Peterson and Gustavson “Gus” Peterson.
After graduating from South Side High School in Rockville Centre he went to Hofstra University. Bill accepted the greater call to duty for his country by bravely and honorably serving in the artillery division of the United States Army, in the Korean War. He was inducted on January 30, 1951 and was transferred to the Army Reserve on November 4, 1952. He was honorably discharged on January 16, 1957. Receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and Bronze star and United Nations Service Medal. He moved to Miami and attended the University of Miami and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1958. While earning his degree he served for the Miami Police Department. He married Susan McDowell Graham on June 5, 1964. They raised two children in Miami. William David Peterson was born April 8, 1967 and Susan Kristin Peterson Britt was born April 18, 1971.
Bill moved to Vero Beach and retired from F. Schumacher as an account sales representative. He spent his days playing and watching golf. One of the highlights was when he got a hole in one on the 18th hole at Sandridge Golf Club!
His passion for the game was exceeded only by the love and affection he had and showed toward his family and particularly his two grandchildren, Maxwell Graham Britt and Addison Joanne Britt, children of Cori Jon Britt and Kristin Britt, who reside in Orlando, Florida.
He was also very proud of his son William David Peterson who resides in Laguna Niguel, Ca.
Bill had a smile and a quick wit that brightened any room he entered. “Sweet William” as he was sometimes referred, was a dear friend to many. He loved his family and country and served them both with pride, honor, and loyalty. We will miss him dearly.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Dan Laval - Friend
September 27, 2020, 4:06 pm
Kristin, the memorial note is beautiful…what a great life he lived. I never new he worked for Miami PD. You are all in our prayers. Love Dan
Kathy Stermer - Cousin
October 4, 2020, 12:06 am
Beautiful tribute. Rest in peace Uncle Bill. Sending love and prayers to you and your families, Kristin and David. Love from Kathy (Peterson) Stermer and family.
The Lang Family
October 12, 2020, 1:53 am
This is such a beautiful tribute to your dad, Kristin. He was a great man and will be missed. Sending you our love and prayers.
Sondra Carter - Friend
October 12, 2020, 4:46 am
Beautiful tribute to your loving father…so very sorry for your loss Kristin. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Amber Dodd - Friend
October 12, 2020, 12:45 pm
Kristin, that was a wonderful tribute to your Dad. Thinking of you every day.
Dawn Schreiber - Friend
October 12, 2020, 9:07 pm
Beautiful words Kristin. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Cori and the children.
Joanne Celestin G. - Friend
October 13, 2020, 12:19 pm
This is such beautiful description of his life. He was such a warm and kind man. Being in his presence always left me with a sweet and gentle giant. My heart broke when I heard the news, but I know God calls angels home and we can’t change that. Praying for healing for your family !
Mary Sue Peterson, Josh & Paul Petrie family - Uncle Bill's niece & your cousin
December 23, 2020, 6:24 am
To my sweet cousins Kristin and David, I honestly can’t put into words how wonderful it has been to have your father as our Uncle all these years. I will miss my visits to Vero. I was so lucky to have all that time with him. My life was enriched by his love & guidance and if my siblings were still with us, they too would feel the void I do today. Im just thankful God shared him with us all. I am a better person for having him in our lives. All our love, Gus Peterson’s family.