William Peterson

1946 - 2025

William "Bill" Howard Peterson passed away on November 23, 2025.

Bill was born on June 9, 1946 in Rocky Mount, NC. He was the child of the Reverand William M. Peterson and Katherine Murel Howard Peterson. Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years Sharon (Sherry) Elizabeth Peterson, his son Christopher Childs Peterson and grandchildren Emma and Colbie. He is also survived by his brother Christopher M. Peterson, sister-in-law Cindy Sue Peterson, and nephew Evan all of Reston, VA.

Bill graduated from Lynchburg College (University of Lynchburg) and received his MSW from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work in 1973 and his Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration from VCU in 2002.

Bill worked as a juvenile probation officer in the Fredericksburg regional court. He also worked for the Richmond Department of Social Services in the adult services unit. He moved to the Virginia Department for the Aging (now the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services) where he worked for 30 years in various roles including Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Public Information Officer, Deputy Commissioner for Programs, and Senior Policy Analyst. He was a graduate of the Virginia Executive Institute. Bill mentored students from the VCU School of Social Work and taught the School's Aging Policy course as an adjunct faculty member.

Bill played the bagpipes with the First Virginia Pipes and Drums and marched in the Churchill Christmas Walk and The Monument Avenue Easter Parade among other local events over the years. In his younger days he was a volunteer firefighter in Fairfax County (Centreville, Co. 17) and remained a fire buff throughout his life. Bill liked Military History and was an avid collector of British and Scottish Militaria. He liked doo-wop music from the '50s, rock and roll from the '60s and '70s, and shag music from Myrtle Beach.

Bill was a dog lover and among other rescues he and Sherry had three golden retrievers, two of which were rescued through the Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue where Bill and Sherry volunteered.

At Bill's request there will be no funeral service. He would ask that you respect your fellow citizens and help those in need whenever possible. Those wishing to remember Bill may also do so with a contribution to the Bill and Sherry Peterson Scholarship at the VCU School of Social Work for students interested in working in the Aging field. Contributions made be sent to: the VCU Foundation Gifts and Records Office at Box 843042, Richmond, VA 23228 or at tinyurl.com/VCUPetersonScholarship.