Dr. John William Petersen

1943 - 2025

Dr. John William Petersen
02/18/1943 - 10/09/2025
John Petersen died October 9 at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. Following a serious surgery, he suffered a massive stroke from which he was unable to recover. He was predeceased by his mother and step-father, Catherine and Lewis Bradford. He leaves behind his partner of over fifty-five years and husband of ten Dr. Robin Z. Hough and his beloved rescue beagle Sarah.
John was born in Spencer, Iowa, on February 18, 1946. After graduating from Spencer High School, he attended the University of Northern Iowa. While there he served as president of the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Music degree he joined the U. S. Air Force and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant while performing as clarinetist for four years with the Strategic Air Command Band at Offutt AFB in Bellevue, NE.
John then started graduate school as a Teaching Assistant at the University of North Texas. He earned the Master of Music degree in 1973 and was awarded Doctor of Musical Arts in clarinet performance with a minor in conducting in 1977.
He began his teaching career at Texas City High School in Texas City, TX, in 1976. He then accepted the position of Head Band Director at Clear Creek High School in League City, TX, where he turned a struggling program into an outstanding one recognized throughout the state. Under his direction the band garnered many awards and performed throughout the nation in venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. John retired from teaching in 2011 having been a positive force in the lives of hundreds of students.
Following retirement John and Robin moved in 2016 from Friendswood, TX, to Raleigh, NC, to be closer to family and friends and enjoy four seasons instead of the six months of summer in the Houston area. Shortly after arriving in Raleigh John became an avid and well-liked member of the Vanderbilt Duplicate Bridge Club. Playing bridge was his passion whether playing with and against friends at Vanderbilt or playing with people he didn't know online. He accumulated enough master points to be recognized as Life Master, Bronze Life Master, and Silver Life Master by the American Contract Bridge League. His sharp mind, quick wit, and generous spirit will be missed by so many.
There will be no service at this time. Memorials may be sent to the Triangle Beagle Rescue of North Carolina in his honor.