Richard Donald Peterson

Richard D. Peterson, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather was given a last salute on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the Bay Pines VA Hospice Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years old.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Richard proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After his military service, he joined the Des Plaines Fire Department, of Des Plaines, Illinois. While fighting a restaurant fire, he was permanently disabled by poisonous gas from an illegal fire extinguisher.

Ten years after the fire, Richard set a new "heart-lung law" for all Downstate Illinois Firemen (outside of Cook County) by order of the Illinois Supreme Court.

Richard started a successful new career working for a Seagram's company, Christian Brothers Wine Brandy, and Champagne. He rose through various managerial positions and became Southern Division Manager of 13 Southern States including Florida. Finally, in 1982 he had to retire because of cancer and heart issues by the earlier fire.

He spent his later years devoted to church activities at Good Samaritan, CLearwater and Church of the Resurrection, Tampa. In 2012, he joined Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dunedin.

An avid golfer, Richard enjoyed golf trips with friends. Later, he was well known by all the dog owners in the neighborhood, where he resided for 22 years, as the man with the 'treats'.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carol (nee Kunisch); 4 children: Albert, Karen, Eric, and Chris Peterson, as well as 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Interment will take place at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park on February 17, 2024 at noon.