Worcester – Donald W. Peterson, 92, a lifelong resident of Worcester, passed away peacefully in UMass Memorial Medical Center – Memorial Campus on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after a brief illness.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Anna M. (Latino) Peterson; three sons, Richard Peterson of Dudley, Mark Peterson of Worcester and John Peterson of Worcester; two daughters, Elizabeth Needham of Worcester and Jean Peterson of Worcester; 4 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Born in Worcester, son of the late Stanley V. and Hazel G. (Benson) Peterson and is also predeceased by a brother, Robert Peterson. He attended the former Worcester Boys Trade High School and then joined the military, proudly serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
He spent his entire work career of 50 years with Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the facilities department, retiring in 2011 at the age of 78 years old. Even after retirement he still referred to the football field as his. There is a tree, planted in his honor, on the grounds of the Higgins Estate, at WPI.
Don was a member of Saint Peter’s Church for over 60 years. He was an avid golfer who was able to craft his game all the way down to a 4 handicap and accomplished the feat of getting a hole in one, on more than one occasion, at Juniper Hill Golf Course in Northborough.
He loved movies, especially westerns. Every night he and his wife Anna would enjoy a movie together. He loved to tell stories. He told stories of growing up, from those of his police officer father, to something that happened last week, he always had a story to tell. Those stories will be greatly missed.
Funeral services with burial will be held privately in All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester. Memorial contributions in memory of Don to help veterans in need, may be made to Project New Hope 70 James Street #157, Worcester, MA 01603.
Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home 12 Hammond St., Worcester, is directing arrangements. To share a memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.Royfuneral.com