Frederick Anthony Peterson

AUBURN – Frederick “Fred” Anthony Peterson, 95, passed away peacefully on September 4 in Auburn, Maine surrounded by his loving family. Fred was born on September 22, 1929, in Lewiston, Maine to Fritz and Jeanette (Paradis) Peterson. At a young age, he began working in the family auto repair and machine shop, where he developed a talent for machine work and fixing things. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1947.

In 1950, Fred enlisted in the United States Air Force and graduated in the first class of the Air Force’s brand new jet aircraft mechanics school. He was then sent to the Korean War with the 5th Air Force and served as a jet mechanic on F-84 Thunder Jet Fighter-Bombers. Through his hard work and dedication, he was promoted to crew chief on “his” F-84 jet and served most of 1952 in Korea.

Fred met the love of his life Eleanor “Ellie” Beecher Van Doren at a USO Dance in Trenton, New Jersey, while stationed at McGuire AFB. They married in New Jersey on July 25, 1953. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, they returned to Maine and built their new family home in Lewiston in 1955. Fred and Ellie were married for 71 years when Ellie passed away on August 19, 2024.

When he moved back to Maine, Fred joined his father in the family business, Peterson Machine Shop and Down-East Sportscraft. He loved working alongside his family, manufacturing fishing rod holders, and fixing items brought in. He continued to work alongside his father, his children, and eventually his grandchildren. He continued to work at “The Shop” until two weeks before he passed.

In addition to his talent for machine work, Fred “Speedy Pete” was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast and aviator. In 1933, he flew in a biplane for the first time when he was 4 years old and “flew” his father’s plane for the first time when he was 8 years old. He earned his pilot’s license at the age of 18 and continued to fly for many years.

Fred was a family man through and through. He deeply loved his family and having them around his home. His favorite summer activity was sitting in the backyard watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren swim in the family pool. Most holidays and birthdays were spent together at cookouts or family meals at his home.

Fred was a 74-year member of Ashlar Lodge No. 105 A.F. & A.M. in Auburn and a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was also a long-time member of the United Baptist Church in Lewiston.

Fred is survived by his children: Robert of Lewiston, Kenneth of Lewiston, Katherine Perron (Richard) of Sabattus, Sharon of Lewiston, and Steven of Auburn, along with 15 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, wife Ellie, his son Richard and daughter-in-law, Consuelo, daughter-in-law Amy Peterson, grandson Andrew Peterson, his brother George Peterson, and his brother-in-law Dr. Edward Van Doren.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Andwell Hospice, especially his grand-daughter-in-law, Elisha Peterson. They would also like to thank the nurses on the T-1 floor of Central Maine Medical Center for taking care of Fred during his stay.

The family will hold a Masonic Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27th, at the Auburn Masonic Hall located at 1021 Turner St, Auburn, ME 04210. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Andwell Hospice House (236 Stetson Rd Auburn, ME 04210) or Ashlar Lodge’s Scholarship Fund (1021 Turner St Auburn, ME 04210) in memory of Frederick A Peterson. Arrangements by The Fortin & Pinette Group 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway in Lewiston, 784-4023. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.fortinpinettegrouplewiston.com .