Richard "Pete" Peterson

                Richard W. "Pete" Peterson, 83, of Victory Heights, died at UPMC Northwest in Seneca on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 surrounded by his family following a lengthy illness. 

                He was born in Franklin on June 17, 1940 to the late Richard H. and Phyllis (Graham) Peterson. 

                He was a 1958 graduate of Cranberry High School.  He then served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Okinawa, until he was injured in an accident. 

                Pete served as a board member for the Victory Heights Community League.  He attended the Victory Heights United Brethren Church. 

                Pete enjoyed hunting, fishing on Lake Erie, boating, and spending winter months in Florida.  Above all, his grandkids were his world; he loved spoiling them with chocolate before sending them home!

                Mr. Peterson worked as a lineman for GTE Telephone Company, and retired from Verizon in 1992.  Following his retirement, he enjoyed driving the milk truck for Hovis Trucking. 

                He was married on April 28, 1962 to the former Nancy C. Courson, and she survives.  Also surviving are three children:  Julie O'Neil and her husband Denny, Greg Peterson and his wife Cindy, and April Rowland and her husband Darrin; his grandkids:  Tony O'Neil and wife Rachel, Sean O'Neil and wife Jennifer, Dennis Grove, and Kayla, Braxton, Karli, and Kambri Rowland; and seven great-grandchildren: Aden, Kowen, Connor, Logan, Parker, Mason, and Marek. 

                Also surviving are two brothers, Mark Peterson and wife Sharon and Jon Peterson and wife Dixie; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

                In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret "Peggy" Ku; and a brother, Thomas H. Peterson Sr. 

                Visitation will be held Saturday (June 1) from 1 - 3 p.m. in Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, where a memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home.  His brother, Jon Peterson, will officiate the service.  Military honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard. 

                Pete's family would like to express a huge thank you to the staff at UPMC Northwest and the ICU for their care and respect during the past week. 

                To express online condolences to Pete's family, please visit www.hilebest.com

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