Kenneth G. Peterson

Waltham - Ken Peterson loved sharing his home and the door was always open to the many family and friends who made his life such a happy and memorable one. He was the kind of guy who put everyone's needs before his own and worked so hard to provide for his large family whom he adored. Ken's valiant battle against the dreaded disease of Alzheimer's found its end on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 surrounded in the comfort and love of his family. While the disease may have robbed him of his memory it never diminished the love, affection and devotion of his family. He was 63. Kenneth G. Peterson was born January 24, 1952 in Waltham a son of the late Gustaf and Anne (Gnyp) Peterson. A lifelong Waltham resident he loved his neighborhood of Warrendale and was a graduate of Waltham High School in 1972. He cherished the friendships from his childhood for they remained lifelong friends. He married Karen M. MacDonald on August 3, 1991 and they made their lives together and a provided a home that defined love. Hope always shined in their home. They were foster parents for over 17 years and loved each foster child as their own…whether for just a night, a short stay or a lifetime. They wrapped each child with the love that every person should experience in their lifetime and brought meaning to the word family. Ken worked hard and loved his job as a driver for J.P. Noonan for over 19 years. Previously, he worked for Lopez Trucking Waltham. He cherished the friendships from work and the comradery of his fellow workers. When Ken's medical issues and onset of Alzheimer's forced an early retirement he took the opportunity to make wonderful memories with his children…..and that they did. Abraham Lincoln said, '"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.' He enjoyed life's real simple pleasures: Sunday morning golf with his buddies, watching a football game, family vacations and above all time spent poolside at home with the many that always were welcome and present at their home. Ken is predeceased by his sisters, Marianne Dayton and Helen Peterson. Ken's love and memory lives on in the hearts and minds of his family. In addition to his wife of 24 years, Karen, he leaves his children, Annie K., Paul W., Amber M., Hallie M., Dylan R., and Maya E. Peterson, all at home; his brothers, William J. Peterson and his wife, Denise of Dedham and James H. Peterson and his wife, Marjorie of Mary Esther, Florida; also survived by many nieces & nephews. Family and friends will honor and remember Ken's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, January 29th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials in his name may be made to The Peterson Children Education Trust, in c/o Richard Dacey III Esq., 707 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451-0609.