Proudly born on the Fourth of July, 1943, Richard “Dick” Lyle Peterson passed peacefully into eternity on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the age of 80. 

He was born in Phoenix to Lyle and Eleanor (nee Herrick) Peterson, their first of two children. He lived in Mesa most of his life except for two brief periods: first, in Wisconsin with his mother and her family while his father, a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, was stationed in Alaska; second, when he, his mother, and sister joined his father in Japan for two years and where he celebrated his tenth birthday. 

Dick graduated from Mesa High in 1961 where he began dating Sue Miller. They were married on July 22, 1963. He earned his degree from ASU and started his teaching career at Mesa High. In his 34 years there, he taught American Government and the Free Enterprise System, coached swimming and football, and passionately influenced thousands of young people. 

He was rather a renaissance man, as comfortable on the lake and in the woods as he was at the theatre and in a bookstore. He often joked that he was sure he was the only guy in a four-wheel drive truck listening to and singing along with Les Miserables. 

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law, Ernie Perez, and his brother-in-law, Pete Berkson. He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Sue Peterson; his daughter, Wendy Sue; his son, Richard Dale (Ric); and his sister, Dianne. 

He reveled in being a grandpa to his grandchildren: Kaylie Peterson (Kade Williams), Cory Peterson (Megan), Kevin Peterson, Estee Waldie (Drake), Ernesto Perez, Roberto Perez (Alma Castaneda), and Jesus Corona.  

Additionally, he was blessed with adorable and very smart great-grandchildren: Ilse, Dahlia, Liliana, Krue, Kallie, Colt, Calia, and Rocio; his great-great grandson, Mateo, is due in July—we’re hoping he arrives on the Fourth!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 15 at 1:00 PM at the Sunland Springs Village Auditorium, 2240 South Springwood Boulevard, Mesa.