Michael Peterson

Michael Henry Peterson, 82, passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2025, in Cleveland, surrounded by family. Born on Oct. 17, 1942, in Lakewood, N.J., to Goodwin and Betty (Rosenshine) Peterson, both of blessed memory, Michael graduated from Kent State University and CSU College of Law, formerly Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He dedicated more than 50 years to serving as a criminal defense attorney in the Northeast Ohio area.

Michael leaves behind a loving family: his wife of 39 years, Susan (Cohen); sons David (Sherrie) Peterson, Ryan (Hallie) Duchon, Scott (Allison) Peterson, Erik Duchon and Eric (Leah) Peterson; and grandchildren Lindsey and Rachel Peterson, Jake and Marlee Duchon and Josh, Kyla, Jonah and Asher Peterson. Michael was a cherished uncle to Daniel Peterson and Sharon (Paul) Koblentz and great-uncle to Bailey (Alex) Goldfarb, Harley (Jacob) Tannen and Juliana Peterson, all of N.J.

He grew up alongside his brothers, Joel and Louie Peterson, both of blessed memory.

He loved fishing and boating and was also an avid supporter of Cleveland and OSU sports.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 15 at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel at 1985 South Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. Interment will follow at Lake View Cemetery.

Friends who are unable to attend the service may view it at 1 p.m. Jan. 15 by visiting BKBMC.COM, scroll down to obituaries, select the obituary of Michael Peterson, click on his obituary, scroll down to join live stream and click on join live stream.

Shiva will be held following interment until 8 pm at the Four Seasons Building No. 3 Social Room at 26600 George Zeiger Drive in Beachwood. The family will also observe shiva from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 16 and 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 17 at the home of Scott and Allison Peterson at 5089 Lansdowne Drive in Solon.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Michael's memory to the Hospice of the Western Reserve (p2p.onecause.com/donateonetime/donate) or the charity of your choice.