Richard G. Peterson

DELMAR - Richard G. Peterson, 77, passed away on Friday, August 27, 2010 at Heritage House in Troy, after living with Pulmonary Fibrosis for 13 years – outliving the doctor's prognosis by ten years with his positive attitude and joy of life.
Born in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Adolph and Antoinette (Winne) Peterson. A graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, Rich attended Ranger School in Wanakena, NY. He served in the US Army during the Korean War and was a member of VFW Post 1895. Rich had a career in protective services – as head of security at JM Field, Albany Public Market and GE Plastics in Selkirk. In his retirement he worked at Wal-Mart in Glenmont as a greeter – enjoying his interactions with customers and colleagues alike.
Rich had many hobbies and interests – woodworking, horses, birds and playing the dulcimer. He had a passion for history and genealogy and was a member of Little Red School House Historical Society and the Alcove Preservation Association.
Rich is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Marian C. (Jandreau) Peterson; his devoted children, Jeffrey (Rose) Peterson, Richard (Lynn) Peterson, Rebecca Peterson, Christopher (Lauren) Peterson, and Kathy Gorman who was like a daughter to Rich; his cherished grandchildren, Meghan, Samantha and Joseph Merritt, Jessica Peterson, Michaela Sickler, Brooke and Samantha Peterson; great-granddaughter, Analeigh Merritt; his sister-in-law and dear friend, Dee Peterson and several nieces and nephews. Rich was predeceased by his daughter, Louanne Peterson and brothers, Robert and Adolph Peterson.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Eddy Heritage House and Community Hospice of Rensselaer for the care and support they provided to Rich and their entire family during the past weeks.
A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Thursday at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. Calling hours will precede the service from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
No flowers please. Those wishing to remember Rich in a special way may send a contribution to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 811 W. Evergreen Ave., Suite 303, Chicago, IL 60642 or to Community Hospice of Rensselaer, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144.