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Celebrating the life of
Frank Harvey "Pete" Peterson
Passed away on December 13, 2019
Frank Harvey ‘Pete’ Peterson was born 15 August 1920 on Vinalhaven Island, Maine, to Ambrose Ames and Cora Frances Abbott Peterson. He lived for 99 years and died on 13 December 2019 in Savannah, Georgia.
He was married for 67 happy years to Mary Dorothea Riley Peterson (deceased in 2010).
Upon graduation from Vinalhaven High School in 1938 he attended the University of Maine with a mind to be a mechanical engineer. However, Uncle Sam was looking for pilots, as WWII was ramping up. After taking flying lessons in college he realized how much he loved flying and changed his career path. During the War, Pete flew many missions in the C47 shuttling cargo and passengers to Iceland, Greenland, and across Africa. Upon completion of the War, he flew for Northeast Airlines flying throughout New England and then initiating the new 727 “Yellowbirds” from Boston to Miami. Later Northeast merged with Delta and opened routes across the U.S. and Europe. The Peterson family moved to Lighthouse Point, FL from Beverly, MA and later to Hilton Head, SC, as Pete’s career progressed.
In 1980 he took mandatory retirement after completing and loving his 39 years of flying. In his retirement, he returned every summer to his beloved Vinalhaven Island with Mary and his trusty Shopsmith, with which he built his island home. Pete served on the board of the Medical Center there as well as other community activities.
Pete’s faith was an integral part of who he was. He was very involved with his Catholic Church community on Hilton Head and in Savannah where he and Mary spent their later years.
Mary and Pete loved both of their island homes where you could find them entertaining family and friends, boating in one of the many crafts they had over the years, or taking advantage of free flying and trotting around the globe! They shared many an adventure together.
Despite his travels, Pete remained the classic New Englander, “use it up, measure twice, cut once, a penny saved is a penny earned.” An accomplished carpenter, plumber and electrician, he was self-reliant and generous with his time, skills and his love of community and family. Often surrounded by competitive talkers, we have all learned from Pete’s quiet example.
He leaves four children: Jeffrey James Peterson (Teen), Susan Peterson King, David Riley Peterson (Cynthia), and Ann Peterson Ramee (Tom); nine grandchildren, Cora Peterson, Mary Peterson Screws, Anna Peterson, Bryan King, Stephen King, Amy King Fontaine, Faran Peterson, Shane Ramee, Ali Ramee: and eleven great grandchildren.
There will be a Memorial Mass at St. James Catholic Church in Savannah at a later date and an interment on Vinalhaven Island, ME.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitefield Ave., Savannah, GA 31406 or Vinalhaven Medical Center, 15 Medical Center Loop, Vinalhaven Island, ME 04863.
I just heard. Sending my deepest sympathies to all my family members. I Loved my Uncle Frank. This is very sad news. The end of an era. May heavenly angels wrap themselves around you and comfort you. With love, Laurel
- Laurel Peterson, Franklin, PA
Please accept our sincere sympathies. And may God keep you all in his comforting embrace! Bob, Betty, BethAnn and Matthew.
- Bob & Betty Myska, Southington , CT
Dearest David, Cynthia and Faran , So many good times were shared with us by Pete and Mary, it’s great that you continue the traditions. Now we turn to your talents and achievements, but Pete and Mary will never be forgotten. With Love, Grace
- Grace Costa, Stuart, FL.
Dave, So sorry about the loss of your father. I only met him once 11 or 12 years ago, but instantly liked him. I know how much he meant to you and Cyn, and how much you will miss him. Hopefully, your many great memories of good times with your dad will help you through this difficult time. Dan
- Dan Frey, New Bern, NC
Jeffrey, to you and your family I extend my condolences. May your father be resting in the glory of God.
- Tito Espindola, Miami, Florida
Jeffrey Tim and Cora , Mary ,,Anna , and all the Family , my condolences. Jairo
- Jairo Llanos , CARDWELL QLD Australia ,
I just heard. Sending my deepest sympathies to all my family members. I Loved my Uncle Frank. This is very sad news. The end of an era. May heavenly angels wrap themselves around you and comfort you. With love, Laurel
- Laurel Peterson, Franklin, PA
Please accept our sincere sympathies. And may God keep you all in his comforting embrace! Bob, Betty, BethAnn and Matthew.
- Bob & Betty Myska, Southington , CT
Dearest David, Cynthia and Faran , So many good times were shared with us by Pete and Mary, it’s great that you continue the traditions. Now we turn to your talents and achievements, but Pete and Mary will never be forgotten. With Love, Grace
- Grace Costa, Stuart, FL.
Dave, So sorry about the loss of your father. I only met him once 11 or 12 years ago, but instantly liked him. I know how much he meant to you and Cyn, and how much you will miss him. Hopefully, your many great memories of good times with your dad will help you through this difficult time. Dan
- Dan Frey, New Bern, NC
Jeffrey, to you and your family I extend my condolences. May your father be resting in the glory of God.
- Tito Espindola, Miami, Florida
Jeffrey Tim and Cora , Mary ,,Anna , and all the Family , my condolences. Jairo
- Jairo Llanos , CARDWELL QLD Australia ,
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- A Celebration of Life Will Be held at a later date
