John Harry Peterson II

John H. Peterson II passed away October 12, 2016. A native of Omaha Nebraska he lived in San Bernardino since 1950. John was a Foreman and Supervisor of mails for the United States Postal Service retiring after 30 years of service. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in San Bernardino for many years where he served in a number of volunteer positions. He was also a member of American Legion Post 14, BPOE Elks Lodge NO 836 and a former member of the Lions Club International. He served as President of the Board of the former Postal Credit Union of San Bernardino and as a 10 year volunteer in other positions with that same organization.

John graduated “with honors” from Pacific High School in San Bernardino in 1956 as a member of the first graduating class to spend all three of their high school years at that institution. He received his B.A. from San Diego State University in 1960 majoring in journalism. He received numerous journalism awards while attending high school and college.

John was both a sports fan and competitor. Most recently he was always there to watch his grand nephews Aaron & Nicholas play tennis and his long time companion Carmen’s grandson Anthony Jr. play baseball and football. He received numerous athletic awards himself while competing from the grade school through college levels. While serving in the U.S. Army from 1963 through 1965 at Fort Monroe VA John played on a basketball squad that finished runner-up in the 2nd Army Basketball Championship. He was also awarded 1 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medal at the Senior Olympics in 1993.

As an individual who truly cared about others he was a supporter of many community activities like the Inland Congregation United for Change, the Del Rosa Neighborhood Action Group, The California State Sheriff’s Association, The Museum of Tolerance, and the Southern Poverty Law Center and was a member of the Perris Hill Senior Center. John also coached a number of youth sports teams during his lifetime.

John was preceded in death by his parents John H. and Prudence E. Peterson. He is survived by his daughter, Julie Mickelsen (Rory Pentico) of South Jordan Utah, his sisters Stephanie (Jim Noe) of Highland, Susan Mayer of Calimesa, brother Jeff (Julia) of San Bernardino, 4 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 5 nephews, 3 nieces, 10 great nephews and 4 great nieces. He is also survived by his soul mate and forever dance partner Carmen Suniga of Colton CA.

As a Christian John truly believed in the importance of thoughts and actions in recognizing the essence of all human beings and the importance of being hospitable to each person that crossed his path. He also promoted the reconciliation of all people and the importance of living by the “Golden Rule.”

John was a wonderful man who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was one of those rare souls who consistently put others before himself and strove to live his Christian faith each and every day. We love you John.