RICHARD E. PETERSON SR.

YARMOUTH – Richard E. Peterson Sr., 85, died Nov. 11, 2010, surrounded by his family at Holbrook Health Center at Piper Shores, Scarborough. He was born Feb. 23, 1925, in Portland, the son of Howard W. and Hilda (Carr) Peterson. He attended local schools, graduating from Deering High School, Class of 1942. Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy, Feb. 22, 1943, the day before his 18th birthday. He received his basic training in Newport, R.I., after which he entered communication school to be trained as a radioman. Upon completion of the required courses he was retained as an instructor. Subsequently he was transferred to the University of Wisconsin, where he continued teaching. After his teaching assignment was completed he served aboard the USS Norris, DD859, until he received his discharge Dec. 25, 1945. After completing his service he took advantage of the GI Bill and continued his education at Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, now Bentley College, Boston. He also graduated from Bank Administration School at the University of Wisconsin. In July 1948, his mother entered Maine General Hospital, now Maine Medical Center, Portland, as a patient. It was there that he met his future wife, Patricia Jane Jarvis of Bangor, who was one of the nurses caring for his mother. They were married April 9, 1949. Mr. Peterson was associated with Portland area banks during his career, having worked at Casco-Northern Bank for 32 years. He left Casco-Northern Bank in 1982 as vice president to join Northeast Bankshare Association, later Fleet Bank of Maine, as senior vice president and treasurer. At the time of his retirement, he was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Fleet Bank of Maine, now Bank of America. He was active in many area civic and charitable organizations throughout his career, serving the United Way in various capacities: auditor, Speakers Bureau, Training and Education and Public Services Division. He was on the audit staff for the YWCA Capital Funds drive. He was a member of South Portland Board of Industry, president of Downtown Park & Shop, director of Retail Trade Board, director and treasurer of Opportunity Farm Association, director of Catherine Morrill Day Nursery, and director and chairman of South Portland Public Library Advisory Board. Mr. Peterson was also involved in professional associations, serving as president of Maine Conference of Bank Auditors and Controllers, as well as state vice president of the National Association. He was a life emeritus member of National Association of Accountants. He was a former member of Cumberland Club, and while residing in South Portland was a member of South Portland Lions Club. During his retirement he enjoyed serving part-time as an accounting specialist for Auction Properties Ltd., now Tranzon Auction Properties, Portland. Richard was a devoted and loving husband, and protective, caring father. Among the greatest pleasures in his life were the growing years of his children while living in South Portland. From early on he always supported them in their chosen interests and regularly attended activities in which they participated. He guided and encouraged them about the benefits of a good education. He also got tremendous enjoyment from seeing his children succeed in their careers and become loving parents themselves. Richard was a history buff and an avid reader. He also was an interested follower of sports, especially the Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs, whose games he attended many times. He liked doing crossword puzzles, and more recently enjoyed watching old movies. In addition to his wife of 61 years, he is survived by two sons, Richard E. Peterson Jr. and his wife, Carolyn, of Gorham and Paul F. Peterson of Scarborough; one daughter, Karen P. Green and her husband, Stephen E. Green, of South Portland; three grandsons, Matthew T. Green and his wife, Kathleen, of South Portland, Brian E. Green and his wife, Sylvia, of South Portland and Andrew S. Green of Portland; one granddaughter, Kate Peterson Merrow and her husband, Peter Merrow, of Gorham; five great-grandchildren, seven nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Howard W. Peterson Jr., in 2001. The family thanks the wonderful nurses and staff at Holbrook Health Center at Piper Shores, Scarborough, for all the care and compassion Richard received during his stay there. Funeral services will be private. Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made in Richard’s memory to Preble Street Resource Center, 5 Portland St., Portland, ME 04101. For additional information and to sign Richard’s guest book, please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.