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William PETERSON Obituary
PETERSON, William R.
William "Bill" Raymond Peterson, 57, of Rhode Island and formerly of Portland, died unexpectedly on Thursday, (December 27, 2012) at his home in Rhode Island. Born in Portland, he was the son of Ernest and Phyllis (Smith) Peterson of Portland. Bill lived in Portland most of his life and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was the former owner of Peterson Oil in Portland and Bill's Sport Shop in Middletown. Bill was an active member of Portland Soccer Club, Past President of Portland Exchange Club, Board member of ICPA, member of NEPA, was an avid golfer and enjoyed skiing. Along with his parents, he is survived by his son, Raymond Peterson and his wife, Jennifer of Portland; his daughter, Lauren Kerr and her husband, Shawn of Walpole, MA; two sisters, Ann Gilmour of Lambertville, NJ and Martha Swanson and her husband, Jay of Portland; a grandchild, Mya and many colleagues and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 183 Williams St., Portland with Rev. James R. Reemts officiating. Burial will follow in Swedish Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday evening from 5-8 p.m. at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church St., Middletown and may send messages of condolence to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William PETERSON
Andrew Bowman
January 18, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Charlie Frago
January 11, 2013
Ernie and Phyllis,
I was deeply saddened to hear ob Bill's passing. I am so sorry I missed the announcement as I would have attended the service. I fondly recall the old days serving the Peterson Oil team.
Charlie and Carol Frago
Andrew M. Sullivan
January 10, 2013
Phyllis and Ernie
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Bill's death. I missed the obituary in the paper or I would have been there with you during such a difficult time.
Bill was always a hard worker and a stalwart in the Portland community. I last spoke with him on
December 10 and he had hopes of some upcoming opportunities. He will be missed.
January 10, 2013
To Ernie and Phyllis
It was with shock and sadness that I learned of Bill's death yesterday and confirmed with a phone conversation with Raymond today. I missed the obituary in the Courant or I would have been there with you. No parent needs to live to seee a child buried, I am so sorry for your loss.
Carolyn (Jackson) Dalton
January 5, 2013
My deepest sypathy to the Peterson Family. So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I went to high school with Bill. My thoughts are with your family.
January 4, 2013
Ernie, Phyllis and family,
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We hope as the days go by your sadness will be replaced with wonderful memories.
We are both thinking of you at this sad time and keeping you in our prayers
Michael and Marra Giuliano
Lois Anderson
January 3, 2013
Dear Peterson family,
My deepest sympathy to your family in this sad time. My thoughts are with you.
January 3, 2013
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies on Bill's passing. He always sat behind us in church at Good Shepherd in Kingston, RI, always ready with a smile and a kind word. We will miss him with us there. Holding all his loved ones close in thought and in prayer.
Paul, Elisabeth, Isabella, and Matthew Vergun
Sally Ann & Dylan Lee
January 3, 2013
Aunt Phyllis, Uncle Ernie & the Peterson family. We are saddened to hear of Billy's passing and know that the memories you have of him will comfort you during this difficult time. With our love and deepest sympathy,
Nancy & Walter Squier
January 3, 2013
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our deepest sympathies to the whole family.May the memories you hold deep in your hearts give you strength at this sad time.
Donna Duteau
January 2, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to Billy's family. We are saddened to hear of his sudden passing. Donna and Steve Duteau
Sharon Dunham
January 2, 2013
To The Entire Peterson Family
The Dunham family would like to send their condolences. We knew the whole family and they were a wonderful family.They helped my mom out when my dad passed away, and I will be forever grateful. May God wrap his arms around Billy and hold him close to his heart.
R.I.P Billy and May God Bless.
Gail (Johnson) Landry
January 2, 2013
Jim and I want to express our deepest sympathy. We grew up together on Ames Hollow and somehow it always feels like a connection. The memories go deep. Extremely sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace Billy........
Rose Hughes
January 2, 2013
Dearest Ernie and Phyllis - I am so very saddened by Billy's untimely passing. I worked at the old United Bank across the street. When Billy came in, he would entertain us with all kinds of stories. Condolences to the Peterson family.
John Zabiski
January 2, 2013
My deepest condolences go to Ray, Lauren, the Peterson family, extended family, and friends. I will remember Bill for his huge heart and willingness to help anyone in need. I will also remember him for his passion to teach others and his enthusiasm for seeking fun.
January 2, 2013
Sympathy to the Peterson Family, we were school friends and later on would run into one another or speak on the phone for business related things. Always an upbeat person, will miss you Billy. Jacalyn Landry Shefcyk
Dr. John Mormile
January 1, 2013
My Deepest Sympathy on your loss. Billy was a great guy.
shelli nolan
January 1, 2013
i am very sorry to hear of your loss. Ray, Jen & Mya you are in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.
Timothy Welsh
January 1, 2013
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. Tim, Laura and Jack Welsh
Joseph Milardo
December 31, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Peterson Family
Kevin Wilhelm
December 31, 2012
There was no one else like Bill. He was special and I have many wonderful memories through good times and not so good times. I know he loved his kids with every fiber of his being. God must have wanted him. I miss him already.
Cara Murphy
December 31, 2012
Hi Lauren,
We are incredibly sorry to hear about your dad's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Janice and Sal D'Amico
December 31, 2012
Dear Ray, Lauren and Family,
We are saddened to learn of your Father's passing, but pray you find solace knowing he is truly now at peace. His love for you remains in your heart. He is forever by your side. We have fond memories of his soccer coaching days as a dedicated coach for so many of Portland's kids. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Sal, Janice, Michael, Stephen and Brendan D'Amico
Linda Keelan
December 31, 2012
Lauren,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. Cherish all the happy memories.
I love you and am here if you need to talk.
December 31, 2012
My condolences to your family. I have many fond memories hanging out at Peterson oil and helping him with the new soccer teams in town.
- Cheryl Tyler-Doll
James Hill
December 31, 2012
I remember Bill's commitment to youth in the Portland community, especially his involvement in the forming of the Portland Soccer Club and the club's acceptance into the CJSA (CT. Junior Soccer Association) in 1996. Not only was Bill a founding member of the Portland Soccer Club, he was a past president and the club's first travel team coach.
Jim Hill
December 31, 2012
Dear Lauren, Ray, Ernie, Phyllis et al,
My heart is broken as is yours .....
With Bill's passing, I have lost a dear friend .... someone I will miss forever.
Words alone cannot convey the depth of my sympathy for all of you.
Billy was a good man.
His many good deeds will be how he is remembered, not only by me, but also by the many whose lives he helped to improve.
Sincerely and with deep sympathy,
Rick Blauvelt
Joan & Ted Tester
December 30, 2012
We were very shocked to hear of Billy's untimely passing. His wonderful and friendly personality left a lasting impression on all who met him. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Patricia Tolliver
December 30, 2012
Very sorry, my sympathy to all. Patricia Prout Tolliver
Joann DeRaffaele
December 30, 2012
I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I remember him from our school years.. Always a smile and great personality. My sincerest condolences to his family. Rest in peace Billy.
Deb and Tom Yaiser
December 30, 2012
Our sincere condolences are sent to the Peterson family. He was a kind hearted man with an enormous personality.
December 30, 2012
Phyllis and Ernie, We are so very sorry to hear about your son Billy. May your sadness soon be replaced with many happy memories.
Fondly, Joe and Loraine Rizzo
Brian Spear
December 30, 2012
I was deeply saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I will always remember his perpetual smile. Please know that my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Joan Brule
December 30, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. I have so many fond memories of working for him.
Ginger Williams
December 30, 2012
Ray,Jen and Mya
We are so very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Love Owen & Ginger
Colleen Brede
December 30, 2012
I am so very sorry to hear of Billy's passing. I will always remember him as so full of life and love for his family and friends.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to one and all.
With deepest sympathy,
Colleen Brede
Bruce & Judith Harvey
December 30, 2012
Dear Ernie & Phyllis, We are so sorry to hear about Billy. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love always, Bruce & Judy Harvey
Virginia Cox
December 30, 2012
I am so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing.
I send my thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to his family at this difficult time.
Much love,
Virginia Cox
December 30, 2012
The Peterson Family:
My deepest sympathy on Bills passing. We had visited several times over the past year or so in Narragansett when he stopped by my office. We had made plans to get together - but never did.
I had enjoyed working with him in the Exchange Club and will remember all the good times we enjoyed.
Don Goodrich
Tarpon Springs, Florida
Chris Minihan
December 30, 2012
I am so very sorry. Billy was a kind, good hearted person.
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