Frank A. Peterson Jr.

1942 - 2021

Frank Augustus Peterson Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on April 10, 2021 in his recently adopted city of Charleston, SC, following a courageous fight against cancer. He was surrounded by love and family until the end. He was 78 years old. Frank was known for his wonderful sense of humor, wit, and ease. He could command a room, always had a new joke, danced like no other, and always looked on the bright side of life. His motto was: "Attitude is everything." Frank was born on May 22, 1942, in New Orleans, to Frank and Beulah (Chouest) Peterson. He grew up in Clement Harbor, Mississippi, with his sister Joy Peterson. He was a proud alumnus of Saint Stanislaus and received an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mathematics from Loyola University in New Orleans. Frank lived in the French Quarter as a young man and surrounded himself with colorful characters and talented artists who became lifelong friends. He participated in the fight for Civil Rights in the 1960s and had interests in art, photography, and film. But his real passion was education. From a young age, Frank knew he wanted to be a teacher. He joined the Peace Corp in 1963 and fulfilled a two-year service in Liberia. When he returned to New Orleans in 1965, he brought with him a renewed sense of service, confidence in his teaching ability, and a beard he would keep the rest of his life. He taught Mathematics and Journalism at numerous high schools over the course of four decades: Rummel, Walter L. Cohen, John F. Kennedy, O. Perry Walker, Abramson, Tara High, St. Mary's, Lusher, and Benjamin Franklin. In his journalism classes, Frank helped produce yearbooks and high school newspapers, often encouraging his students to push the envelope with their stories. In his math classes, he helped translate complicated concepts into understandable lessons with humor and patience. When word of his illness reached former students, many wrote him letters of the impact he had on their lives. They learned about more than Algebra; he taught life lessons on humanity, motivation, and challenged his students to look inside themselves and strive to be the best they could be. Many said he was the best math teacher they ever had. In 1981, he started his own beauty school, Hair Tech, in St. Bernard Parish. During the school's operation, hundreds of students graduated and earned their cosmetology licenses. While running and teaching at his business, Frank also gave lectures at hair conferences and shows around the world. He continued his lifelong mission to inspire future generations and gave motivational speeches till he retired. On September 28, 1980, he married Rose Drill, the love of his life, and together they raised three children. They lived in Mid-City and were a part of the fabric of their community for 40 years. Frank was a terrific and involved father - always loving, supporting, and challenging his children. From sports to academics to life lessons, he was his daughters' little league coach one moment and tutoring math the next. Frank had numerous passions and hobbies outside of his work and family. He loved racquetball, playing with friends at the Metairie YMCA and Elmwood, earning the title of Louisiana Senior Olympic racquetball champion for a number of years. He enjoyed boating, fishing and cooking. He took writing classes once he retired and made friends from all walks of life with every new endeavor. He always believed in others and genuinely cared for so many in his life. His legacy will live on with his family and the many people whose lives he touched by his lessons and presence. We are all better for knowing him. He is survived by his wife Rose; his three children, Franklin Peterson (wife Allison), Jenny Wilson (husband Greg), and Joy Farrae (Husband Daniel); Grandchildren Elise and Alexandra Farrae; sister Joy Peterson, a constant and loving presence in his life; aunt Betty Chouest, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as many loving and loyal friends. A funeral mass and celebration of his life will be held on Friday April 30, 2021 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 3368 Esplanade Ave. at 11 a.m. and available in a live stream online through the church. Visitation will occur from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank Peterson's name to Ben Franklin High School at www.bfhsla.org/donate.