William Dean Peterson

William D. Peterson, 95, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away February 21, 2024. Bill was born in Massillon on September 21, 1928, the son of the late George and Muriel (Salter) Peterson. He was a lifelong resident of Massillon and a 1946 graduate of Washington High School. Upon graduation, Bill was employed by the Eaton Manufacturing Co. of Massillon and then enlisted in the United States Air Force as an aircraft dispatcher in base operations. His duties included playing baseball for the base service team and travelling to other military bases for games. Following his honorable discharge, Bill returned to Eaton and worked there until his retirement in 1988.

Bill was an avid sports fan and athlete during his lifetime playing on local softball teams such as Reliable Heating, Bill's Auto Mart, Eaton Reliable, Alibi Lounge, Massillon Recreation, Towne House and the American Slovak Club, and bowling teams such as Bender's Tavern, Morton’s and Old Dutch Beers. Bill's sports accomplishments were many, including pitching a no-hitter for the Eaton Reliance team over the Kendal Taverns in 1946 at the age of 18 and bowling a perfect “300” game at the age of 64. He was a member of the Greater Canton Fastpitch Hall of Fame. Bill enjoyed playing golf with his brothers Bob and Jack and many friends well into his 80's.

A man of deep community ties, Bill was an active member of several Massillon-area fraternal and service organizations including the Elks, Moose, VFW, Eagle’s, Son’s & Daughter’s of Herman and the Buckeye Club. He was a friend of many and a mentor to many Massillon youth.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by brothers Robert A. Peterson and Jack D. Peterson. He is survived by nephew Rich (Stephanie) Peterson of Erie, PA; nephew David Peterson (Kandi Caley) of Canton; niece Nancy (Karl) von Gunten of Cary, NC; and several grandnieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Christopher Chow, the staff at Aultman MedCorp, the staff, nurses, and aides of Amherst Meadows, Rose Lane, Canton VA, Aultman Hospice, and Irene and Daphne of Heavenly Hearts Home Care for all of the support they provided during Bill's final days.

In accordance with Bill's wishes, there will be no formal services. Karlo-Libby Funeral Home in Canton is handling the arrangements with interment at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens, North Canton. In lieu of flowers and donations, the family invites you to raise a toast to Bill—a heartfelt tribute to a life well lived.