Eugene "Gene" L Peterson

Eugene L. Peterson, MSG U.S.Army Ret., born August 17, 1936 in Pike, NY, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, August 12, 2011 after a 2 year battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Patricia Cleveland Peterson; sister, Lois Renker; half-sisters Frances Stewart and Elizabeth Shattuck; half-brothers Robert Wheeler and Marlon Peterson; daughters, Jean Miller and her husband, Kenneth, Cynthia Peterson, and her fiance, Richard Drollette; grandson, Jay Peterson, whom he later adopted as his son, and fiancee Sandy Torrez; grandchildren, Meghan Cyrier, Colin Cyrier, and Lindsay Miller, and future step-great grandchildren Emma and Aaron Torrez. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews that he loved so dearly, as well as many friends, including his beloved PAFB pinochle club members. Eugene was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and a life member of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served honorably as a combat veteran in the US Army Aviation branch from 1955 - 1979 and received numerous medals and awards. He also worked for the New York State Dept. of Corrections for 14 years, retiring in 1997. Friends planning expressions of sympathy are asked to consider VITAS Hospice in Eugene's name.