Robert L. Peterson

Robert L. Peterson, 62, of Berlin, loving father, intrepid adventurer, and generous soul, entered peacefully into eternal rest on July 5, 2015. Bob was born on November 13, 1952 in Hartford, the son of devoted parents Robert V. Peterson and Lois Peterson (Richards). With a headstrong vitality eager for adventure, Bob blazed a tremendous path in his life. He co-founded the Precision Punch Corporation—a premier manufacturer of tool, die and mold components that recently celebrated its 50th year in operation. Bob nurtured an intense passion for his company, always fine-tuning his creative drive and taking the right risks to position his business in a prosperous posture, even in tough economic circumstances. Bob had an aura at work that could not be explained or recreated, but it was clearly identifiable. He displayed a magnetizing energy and never failed to make a lasting impression among his loyal employees.

However, Bob was so much more than his vocation and lived a life marked by impressive accomplishments outside of his manufacturing career. Among his many exploits, he had an intense love for the outdoors and became an avid hunter and fisherman. He traveled far and wide to undertake great challenges, including big game hunts in places such as the African Serengeti and the American west or deep sea fishing expeditions where the prize measured in the hundreds of pounds. An avid scuba diver, Bob found solace in the waters off Long Island Sound and Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Bob’s zest for exploration could not be contained to the bounds of the earth. He was an accomplished pilot and logged thousands of hours as pilot-in-command of a wide array of aircraft. Whether prop or jet, Bob had the experience and the courage to get it in the air. Among his favorite destinations was the Arctic—including the North Pole—where he flew with a group of bold aviators to brave the trials of adverse weather and a desolate landscape, and stand in awe of the natural beauty.

Though his personal and professional triumphs gave him great joy, his greatest gift in life was his family. He is survived by his parents, Bob and Lois; his sister Beth; sons Bob, Mike, and Dave and their spouses; and his beloved grandchildren. Friends of Robert are encouraged to attend calling hours on Thursday (July 9) from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. A tribute service in honor of Robert’s life will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m. that evening. Burial will be private. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.