John Richard "Rick" Peterson

Peterson, John "Rick" Richard
59, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on April 12, 2011. Rick was born in 1951 in Evanston, Illinois, the second of three children. He married his high school sweetheart, Ann. Together they moved to Arizona in 1978 and raised two children, Eric and Shannon. For many years, Rick worked in sales, a field in which his outgoing personality served him well. Following the untimely death of his daughter, Shannon, Rick responded by working to become a positive influence in the lives of many young people, including several of Shannon's friends. He is remembered warmly by those who were close to him. Rick is survived by Ann, his beloved wife of nearly 39 years; his son, Eric, and daughter-in-law, Sage; two grandchildren, Henry and Stella; his brother, Marty, and sister, Debbie; and extended family including Bibi, Cynthia, and many others. Rick is preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Muriel; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Irene; and his daughter, Shannon. A viewing will be held on Friday, April 15 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 16 at 9:00 a.m. at Saint Anne Roman Catholic Parish, 440 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Rick's name to the American Cancer Society.