WAYLAND: Robert Ellsworth “Bob” Peterson, died peacefully on Jan. 4, 2019.
He was born on Dec. 26, 1929 in Minneapolis, MN son of the late Robert William Peterson and Margaret Frances (O’Neill) Peterson.
Bob was the beloved husband for 67 years of Marjorie Anne (Schwartz) Peterson of Wayland. Loving father of Patricia Peterson Pluskal and husband Malcolm of Acton, Dr. Robert Lester Peterson and wife Laraine of Honolulu, Hawaii, Margaret Catherine Peterson Blake and husband Steven of Haiku, Hawaii and Thomas Michael Peterson and wife Maria of Wilmington, N.C. Grandfather of five granddaughters and one grandson, great-grandfather of three great-granddaughters. Brother of Gerald Peterson and wife Cynthia of Middle Haddam, Conn.
Bob graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Economics in 1951. Following employment by Philco and RCA, he continued his education and earned an MBA from the Wharton School in 1957. While living and working in New Jersey, Bob was active in many civic and professional organizations and co-founded the public library in Delaware Township. In 1962, he moved the family to Wayland where he joined Raytheon and was involved in their ten-year long-range planning. He worked in the defense industry and was a founder of the Electronic Industry Associates Requirement Committee. He was also an active member of the American Marketing Association.
During his lifetime, Bob was an officer of many clubs and civic organizations. He was generous in sharing his time, expertise and mentoring skills with kindness and integrity. He was a volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America and was Wayland’s representative to the Framingham Youth Guidance Center. Following his retirement, he volunteered with the Executive Service Corp. and following a work assignment with Julia Child, was invited to join the board as a permanent member. He was a faithful member of St. Ann Parish Church and was the head usher for many years.
Bob was an active and enthusiastic sportsman. He played ice hockey at the University of Minnesota and in adult leagues in New Jersey. He was a life-long skier and tennis player, and an accomplished bridge player. Bob and Marjorie were world travelers for over 60 years and were known for their spring garden tours and collections of Christmas decorations, collected on their travels and displayed for friends, organizations and charitable events.
Family and friends are invited to Bob’s Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 10:00 am at Good Shepherd Parish at St Ann Church, 134 Cochituate Road (Rte. 27), Wayland. Visiting hours have been omitted and interment will be private in the Peterson family lot in North Cemetery in Wayland.
In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family suggests the memorial gifts in his name may be sent to The Boy Scouts, Mayflower Council, 2 Mount Royal Ave, Ste, 100, Marlborough, MA 01752.