Richard E. Peterson

Richard E. Peterson of Hingham, formerly of West Yarmouth and Naples, FL, passed away on May 23, 2025 at Linden Ponds in Hingham. “Whitey,” as he was known to his many friends, died peacefully at the age of 87.

Born in Worcester to Eric G. and Alice (Sundquist) Peterson, Richard grew up in Quinsigamond Village. After graduating from North High School, he enlisted in the Navy, serving for four years as a firefighter on the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa. After his discharge, he returned to Worcester and began working at Norton Company, first in one of the mills and then in the payroll department. He also founded Peterson Epoxy Floors, which he ran until he retired at the age of 80.

Richard met his future wife, Janice May Smith, at a social club in Auburn and they married in 1960. After outgrowing their first house in Worcester, they moved to Holden, then Boylston, and finally West Barnstable. In 1994, Richard and his wife bought the Bayview Inn in West Yarmouth. Doing much of the work themselves, they turned the former inn into their full-time residence. Richard cherished the views of Lewis Bay and never tired of watching the passing island ferries or the July 4th fireworks displays. During the winter months, he enjoyed spending time at their condominium at The Cove Inn in Old Naples, walking the beach or Fifth Avenue, enjoying time with his family and friends at the Cove Yacht Club chickee bar, and dining at The Boathouse next door. Most of all, he loved being “Grampie” to his eight exceptional grandchildren.

Richard and Janice were happily married and virtually inseparable for 61 years until Janice passed away in September, 2021. Richard leaves behind his son, the Hon. Scott Peterson and his wife Alison of Hingham, his daughter, Kathy Peterson of Naples, FL, and his daughter Karin Fleming and her husband Dennis of Lincoln, RI, his grandchildren (Patrick, Graham, Ryan, Abigail, Emily, Lynsey, Cooper, and Jake), his sister, Gail DiBaro, his brothers-in-law, Thomas Smith and Gerald Lussier, and many nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his brother Ronald G. Peterson, his sister Nancy Ullstrom, his sisters-in-law, Joyce Lussier, Judith Standring, and Jean Smith, and his brothers-in-law, Harold Standring and Richard Ullstrom.

Richard’s family would like to thank all of his caregivers at Rose Court at Linden Ponds as well as his private caregivers (Kate, Kim, Mary, Kimberly, Becky and Debra) for the exceptional care they provided.

Visiting hours will be held at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald Street, Hingham on Sunday, June 1st from 3:00 - 6:00. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 2nd at 11:00 at Saint Paul Church, 147 North Street, Hingham. Burial at the National Cemetery in Bourne is private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.