Peterson, Donald E. “Don”

Peterson, Donald E. “Don”, age 85, entered into the presence of the Lord, surrounded by his loving family, on July 14, 2026. Born in Weymouth, he was the son of the late Donald E. and Florence (Miller) Peterson.

Donald graduated from North Quincy High School in 1958. As a young man, he was a member of DeMolay and later became a Freemason, proudly serving as Worshipful Master. Don also proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years during the Vietnam War era. A deeply patriotic man throughout his life, he had a special love for the Fourth of July and all that it represented to him.

Following his military service, Don worked at Pneumatic Scale in North Quincy, where his life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Rebecca. What began there grew into a beautiful partnership and 59 years of marriage. Rebecca was truly Don’s best friend and constant companion. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, faith, and countless memories. Through every season of life, they remained devoted to one another, enjoying the everyday moments just as much as their many adventures together.

Don continued his education at Wentworth Institute and later attended night school at Sacred Heart. He worked as a draftsman for Honeywell before deciding to pursue a career with the United States Postal Service. For 35 years, Don served as a letter carrier in Hingham, but to the people along his route, he was much more than the person who delivered their mail. Don had a gift for connecting with people and took the time to know those he encountered each day. His friendly personality and familiar presence made him a beloved part of the community. His customers affectionately and jokingly referred to him as the “Mayor of Hingham Square”—a nickname that perfectly reflected just how well-known and loved he had become.

Faith, family, and service to others were at the heart of Don’s life. He was deeply connected to Fort Square Presbyterian Church and Old South Union Church, where faith and fellowship brought him great meaning and comfort throughout his life. He was also actively involved with Boy Scout Troop 19 in Weymouth, where he helped encourage generations of young people to live with responsibility, respect, curiosity, and a spirit of service. Don especially enjoyed supporting summer camp, where he served as the Environmental Science Merit Badge leader and shared his knowledge and appreciation for the world around him.

Don’s commitment to helping others also extended to his longtime involvement with the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Over the years, he attended many telethons and actively participated in fundraising efforts, generously giving his time and energy to a cause that was important to him. His involvement was yet another reflection of Don’s caring nature and his desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

In his free time, Don loved traveling with Rebecca, especially cruising together. Their travels gave them the opportunity to see new places, enjoy new experiences, and, most importantly, simply enjoy being together. At home, Don appreciated life’s quieter pleasures as well. He could often be found settled into his favorite chair, watching Jeopardy! while playing games on his iPhone—a familiar sight that his family will always remember with a smile.

Above all else, Don’s greatest joy was his family. He was the loving and devoted husband of Rebecca (Timberlake) Peterson of North Weymouth and the beloved father of Marilyn Peterson and her husband, Bob Brugger, of Pennsylvania, and Michael Peterson of Douglas.

Being “Papa” was a role Don treasured. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren—Tyler; Alexandra and her fiancé, Hayden; Zachary; Kylie, forever affectionately known as “the little one”; Jazmine; and Pheobe. Each held a special place in his heart, and the memories, traditions, laughter, and love they shared with their Papa will remain with them always. Don was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, who brought another generation of joy to his life.

He is also lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and by Michael’s former partner, Amy.

While his family deeply mourns his passing, they find comfort in knowing that Don is now reunited in heaven with his beloved son, Eddy, and his siblings, Robert Peterson Sr., Janet Towne, Beverly Crozier, and Nancy Reichert. His family can only imagine the joyful reunion that awaited him.

Don will be remembered for his devotion to Rebecca, his tremendous love and pride for his family, his strong faith, his patriotism, and his genuine ability to connect with the people around him. Whether you knew him as a husband, Dad, Papa, brother, uncle, friend, fellow church member, Scout leader, letter carrier, or simply as the “Mayor of Hingham Square,” Don left a lasting impression. His was a life built on faith, family, service, and love—and his legacy will continue through all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during visiting hours on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM at the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, North Weymouth, 40 Sea Street (off Route 3A in Bicknell Square).

A funeral service will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Old South Union Church in South Weymouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s memory may be made to Croi Health, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061, and/or the Special Education Department, Weymouth Public Schools, 89 Middle Street, Weymouth, MA 02189.

Please visit Keohane.com for online condolences.