John Francis Peterson

EXETER, N.H. - John Francis Peterson, aged 84, died peacefully at his home in RiverWoods in Exeter N.H. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, from complications of Parkinson's Disease. He was surrounded by Barbara, his loving wife of 62 years and children, John and his wife Lynn of Belmont, N.H., James and his wife Beth of Westford, Mass., Stephen and his wife Carlene of Farmington, Conn., and David and his wife Michele of Gilford, N.H.

He was the beloved grandfather of Daniel of Springfield, N.H., Michael of Belmont, N.H., Kate of Northampton, Mass., Julia of Jamaica Plain, Mass., Mark of Westford, Mass., Cara of Farmington, Conn., Matthew of Farmington, Conn., and great-granddaughter Lindsey of Laconia, N.H.

Born in Boston, Mass, of Anton and Margaret Peterson, he was preceded in death by his brother Alfred Peterson of Nahant, Mass.

John was a graduate of Medford HS class of 1950. He entered the Navy and was honorably discharged after his term of service in 1953. He attended Boston University while working full-time raising his young family, graduating in 1962 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and was employed at Arthur D. Little in Cambridge, Mass., and Helix Corporation in Waltham, Mass., where he was vice-president of sales and marketing.

He and Barbara retired to New Hampshire where he enjoyed many wonderful summers with his extended family at Lovell Lake. He enjoyed family, travelling, tennis and gardening at their home in North Hampton, N.H. He particularly enjoyed basement pool and ping pong with his sons. His energy, warm smile, gentle nature and ever present optimism will always be remembered. He cherished his family and loved his life.

Donations in John's name may be made to Parkinson's research at www.michaeljfox.org