Donald C. Peterson Sr.

WALTHAM Donald C. Peterson Sr. of Waltham died Friday, Dec.19, 2008, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital after a brief illness. He was 68. Born Sept. 28,1940, in Owatanna, Minn., son of the late Robert and Margaret Peterson, Mr. Peterson was raised in Minnesota and was a Waltham resident for the past 50 years. Mr. Peterson served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed with P.E. Burke Movers of Waltham for many years and most recently as a craftsman in the painting and wallpapering field for several years, and on a part-time basis was bartending at the Nonantum American Legion Post #440 in Newton. He was a member of the Nonamtum American Legion Post #440 in Newton, the Knights of Columbus Newton Council #167, and in his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and loved to be with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Diane (Holmes) Peterson; his loving children, Donald C. Peterson Jr. and his wife, Kristin, of Littleton, Tracy Arsenault and her husband, Brian, of Waltham, and William R. Peterson and his wife, Kristine, of Littleton; and his cherished grandchildren, Breanna, Tyler, Jessica, David, James and Derek. In addition, he is survived by many brothers and sisters in Minnesota; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late David J. Peterson. A funeral service in celebration of Donald's life take place at the Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody St., Waltham (www.brascofuneralhome.com), Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment with military honors will follow at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham. Visiting hours at the funeral home are Monday, Dec. 22, 4 to 8 p.m. Parking attendants will be on duty. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.