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Richard Lyle "Dick" Peterson
Richard Lyle "Dick" Peterson
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He was born in Phoenix to Lyle and Eleanor (nee Herrick) Peterson, their first of two children. He lived in Mesa most of his life except for two brief periods: first, in Wisconsin with his mother and her family while his father, a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, was stationed in Alaska; second, when he, his mother, and sister joined his father in Japan for two years and where he celebrated his tenth birthday.
Dick graduated from Mesa High in 1961 where he began dating Sue Miller. They were married on July 22, 1963. He earned his degree from ASU and started his teaching career at Mesa High. In his 34 years there, he taught American Government and the Free Enterprise System, coached swimming and football, and passionately influenced thousands of young people.
He was rather a renaissance man, as comfortable on the lake and in the woods as he was at the theatre and in a bookstore. He often joked that he was sure he was the only guy in a four-wheel drive truck listening to and singing along with Les Miserables.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law, Ernie Perez, and his brother-in-law, Pete Berkson. He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Sue Peterson; his daughter, Wendy Sue; his son, Richard Dale (Ric); and his sister, Dianne.
He reveled in being a grandpa to his grandchildren: Kaylie Peterson (Kade Williams), Cory Peterson (Megan), Kevin Peterson, Estee Waldie (Drake), Ernesto Perez, Roberto Perez (Alma Castaneda), and Jesus Corona.
Additionally, he was blessed with adorable and very smart great-grandchildren: Ilse, Dahlia, Liliana, Krue, Kallie, Colt, Calia, and Rocio; his great-great grandson, Mateo, is due in July-we're hoping he arrives on the Fourth!
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 15 at 1:00 PM at the Sunland Springs Village Auditorium, 2240 South Springwood Boulevard, Mesa.
Meldrum Mortuary & Crematory
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Isabel (Hanawalt) Thomas
June 15, 2024
I am MHS 70 graduate. I was in a couple of Mr. Peterson's classes. He was a terrific teacher. His sister Dianne, was my
"Rainbow" Sister at Mesa Assembly 9 of the Masonic Lodge. I share this because that connection created a different relationship for me with Mr. Peterson. It was like having a big brother of sorts watching over me when I was in school. He was very professional while kind and caring to everyone. We all knew he was more than just a teacher. He was our friend who would look out for us, and challenge us to be the best version of who we were created to be.
I know he´s in the hands of God, his Journey on earth a success!! Very sure he´ll be there to greet you all at that Grand Heavenly Reunion with the Lord.
Bob Hathcock
June 12, 2024
Coach Peterson was my very favorite teacher at MHS . He was my swimming coach and govt. teacher in 1978-79. He was very kind and knew how to relate to students. He challenged us to be our very best and we all had a great respect for "Pete". He was a wonderful human being and will be missed. My condolences to Sue, Wendy, and Ric. Sincerely, Bob Hathcock
Lavona Areghini
June 6, 2024
I knew Dick as a fun loving , well respected husband and father. I have a special memory of him dancing with Sue in my family room after we had shared a dinner with friends. I send my love and condolences to the Peterson family. I wish I could share in his celebration of life service!
Bobbette LeBaron
June 5, 2024
Dearest Wendy & Sue & Family,
I first met Mr. Peterson as a student in 1975 summer school taught at Westwood where us `76 seniors from MHS and Westwood (Go Westwood!) were mixed. Matt Salmon was in our class. Mr. Peterson ran a mock Senate and I was elected Madame Chairman. I loved him as a teacher.
Flash forward and now I´m an English teacher at MHS and one of Dick´s colleagues. The Social Studies Dept & the English Dept got meshed together for lunch every day except Thursdays when the SS Dept took off for KFC for lunch. What lively and hilarious lunches there were with the two Dicks (Peterson & Van Dyne), et al!!! I can´t name everyone because I´ll end up leaving someone out but Steve Ramos, John Franklin, Tommy Vaughn, Kathleen Doncer, Theresa Ratti, Debbi Bertolet, Lorelei Barker, Mike Baser, & everyone else. You didn´t want to miss it! Then Brock (David Brockmeier) came along and added some fun fireworks to the discussions. Glorious memories.
Dick´s legacy will live on for sure-especially since he shared his unique guacamole recipe with all of us. At every pot luck, Dick would bring a giant bowl of it and we couldn´t get enough of it. I think we made it a requirement.
I love Dick and everyone who were part of that fabulous MHS staff. Carry on, Dick. Carry on, all of us. Until we meet again.
Love,
Bobbette LeBaron
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June 5, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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