NOKOMIS, FL – Ralph S. “Gumby” Peterson, Jr., 73, died Thursday, October 16, 2025 in Hartford Hospital with family at his side.
He leaves his companion of 28 years, Maureen E. (Smith) Forand; a daughter, Misty M. Peterson and her significant other Aaron Hall of North Grosvenordale, CT; a son, Zachary S. Peterson and his wife Judina of Henderson, NV; 2 brothers, Michael Peterson and his wife Maureen of Webster, MA and Morris Peterson and his significant other Tammy Tetreault of Venice, FL; a sister, Cathy Pepin and her significant other David Farrar of Oxford, MA; his former wife, Nancy (Labarge) Harris of Putnam, CT; a stepson, Glen D. Potter of Las Vegas, NV; nephews and nieces.
He was born on June 1, 1952 in Lawrence, MA, the first of the four children of Ralph S. “Pete” Peterson, Sr. and Shirley A. (Sicard) Peterson and lived in Oxford, MA most of his life. He graduated from Oxford High School in 1970. He took up residence in Florida in 2017.
Mr. Peterson worked as a cement bagger at Sakrete Company in Oxford, MA for many years before retiring in 2012.
He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing horseshoes and pool, and snow skiing. He belonged to a bowling league at the Mohegan Bowl-A-Drome in Webster, MA and also played in a pitch league. He loved rock and blues music.
No services are planned. Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster, MA in directing the arrangements.