John C. Peterson

5/8/1946 - 3/18/2023

Oakdale - John C. Peterson, 76, of Oakdale, has passed away from a long, strongly fought battle with cancer. John C. Peterson was born May 8, 1946, at Lying-In Hospital in Providence, R.I., to William and Evelyn Peterson.

He graduated from Athol High School in 1964, and went on to become an honorable military veteran, an extremely accomplished career man, a highly respected member of the community, a devoted family man and a proud grandfather of two.

John joined the U.S. Army in 1965, and was deployed to Vietnam, as an intelligence specialist, where he served proudly until his honorable discharge in 1968. During this time, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, as well as multiple medals for his contribution during hostile operations.

An accomplished business man, John served in the capacity of multiple leadership roles throughout his 50-year newspaper career. His expertise in the field, both as an employee at local newspapers such as The Day, The Norwich Bulletin, Shoreline newspapers and then later as a consultant for a multitude of newspapers in the Tri-State area, all led to his accomplishment of receiving the "Yankee Quill" award in 2019.

John most enjoyed the company of his family and friends, which included playing softball, golf and having a most enjoyable meal. He loved going out to eat as a family. "Get a meal," was one of his famous sayings when we would try to get a cheaper item on the menu to save him some money. He only wanted the best for his family. Some of our fondest memories were from the "horse days:" traveling to compete in horse shows, singing in the car, and not having a care in the world, because we were together. He will be greatly missed by his two daughters.

John is predeceased by his parents, William and Evelyn Peterson; and his wife Marie Marcucci. He is survived by his sister Cheryl Jones and her husband Rick Jones of Belchertown, Mass.; his daughter Erica Peterson and her daughter Brianna Althiser; his daughter Ingrid Lanphear and her husband Steven Lanphear and their son Zachary Lanphear; as well as extended family, friends, mentors and coworkers who meant so much to him throughout his life.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 31, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be in John's name to the Connecticut Hospice center in Branford. Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence.