Jack L. Peterson, 84, of Mystic, a retired schoolteacher and education administrator in southeastern Connecticut and New York State, died December 25, 2014. Jack was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Nancy H. Peterson, in 2007.
Jack was passionate about his chosen profession, education. His career spanned 30 years in New York State. Jack moved from the classroom into the administrative side of education, working as a District Principal in Fort Edward, NY; Supervising Principal in Sherman, NY; Junior High Principal in Lockport, NY and as Supervisor of Curriculum in Horseheads, NY. He finished his career as a teacher at Ella Grasso Tech School, in Groton, CT retiring in 1993.
Jack was also very active in the Mystic Congregational Church. He proudly served as a Deacon, was involved with the sister church program with South Korea; served on the Hispanic scholarship fund committee and was honored when the church renamed the children reading program to the “Nancy Peterson Story Hour” in memory of his wife.
Jack moved into Avalon Health Center in April 2014. He loved the weekly poetry class, enjoyed the garden during the summer and was President of the Residents Council. Jack received tremendous care and love from the entire nursing staff while residing there, for which the family is truly grateful.
Jack was born in Marion, IN, May 31, 1930, son of the late Wade and Leona Peterson. He received his undergraduate (1953) and Masters (1958) from The College at Brockport, State University of New York. Jack also proudly served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955, stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. Jack was an avid supporter of the American Red Cross and donated blood throughout his entire life.
Jack is survived as follows; two sons, Eric Peterson, with his wife Laurie of Portland, CT, the Rev. Matthew Peterson with his wife Karen of Pittsburgh, PA, two daughters, Carrie Peterson of Locke, NY, and Laurie Peterson of Troy, NY; a brother William Peterson of Winter Haven, FL; sister –in-law, Delores Peterson of Lexington, NC; brother-in-law Richard Fleischmann of New York City; four grandchildren, including Hannah and Cole Peterson of Portland, one great–great grandchild, two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife Nancy, Jack was predeceased by his brother Michael Peterson and sister-in-law’s Connie Peterson and Julie Fleischmann.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at the Mystic Congregational Church on Saturday, January 10th, 2015 at 10 a.m. There will also be a gathering at StoneRidge on January 10 at 2 pm for StoneRidge/Avalon residents and staff who wish to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Mystic Congregational Church, 43 East Main Street, Mystic, CT 06355, in care of the Nancy Peterson Story Hour.
The family will gather privately for burial at Avery-Stoddard Cemetery, Ledyard.
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