Peter W. Peterson

Peter W. Peterson, 85, of Newington died February 1, 2007. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Susie Teranes Peterson. He was predeceased by his parents Anna and Walter, and brother Spiro. He was born in New Haven on Dec. 24, 1921 and grew up in Hartford's Frog Hollow where he enjoyed playing his harmonica; polishing shoes and hawking newspapers to earn money; and bicycling to New Britain to visit his future wife's family. He graduated near the top of his class at Hartford High in 1939 and earned a full scholarship to Hartford's Trinity College. Graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1943, he was awarded a graduate fellowship to attend New York's Columbia School of Journalism. He graduated in 1945, married and took a series of copy editing jobs in Massachusetts. In the late 50's, he returned to Connecticut and worked at The Hartford Times; then as Publications Director for the former Central Connecticut State College. His joy was watching his children excel in school and he worked nights to put them through college. He was an avid jogger, walker and nutritionist who ran The Manchester Road Race and won trophies for his age group in New Britain events. He loved all music, especially ethnic, which he played on his mandolin, and was a devoted follower of UConn sports. After retiring, he bought a computer, taught himself how to use it and spent many hours online. He was a 50-year member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, New Britain, sang in the choir, and enjoyed times with the senior club. Besides his wife Susie, Pete leaves a brother Arthur of Middletown, three children: Claire Taylor and her husband Danny of South Windsor; Brian and his wife Mary of Bethlehem; Tony and his wife Ellen of Suffield; seven grandchildren: Justin and Carolyn Taylor; Athena, Brian Michael, and Eleni Peterson; and Lesley and Alex Peterson. Funeral services will be held Monday, at 10 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox, 301 West Main St. New Britain, CT 06052. Burial will be in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington. Calling hours are on Sunday 3 - 5 p.m., at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 South Main St. New Britain, with a Trisagion service to be conducted at 4:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice of Plainville for their hours of tender care these past months.