Dr. Don L. Peterson, Jr.

Dr. Don L. Peterson, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 13, 2022, with his wife, Barbie, at his side. Donny was born in New Orleans on July 5, 1952, the only child of Dr. Don L. Peterson Sr. and Mary B. Peterson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt Violet I. Peterson, his mother-in-law Carolyn R. Davis, his sister-in-law Ruth W. Davis and his brother-in-law Kent R. Davis. He is survived by his beloved wife Barbie, his sister-in-law Carolee D. Elliott (Steve) and his brother-in-law Louis R. Davis (Babs), six nieces and one nephew.

Donny graduated from De La Salle High School, Loyola University New Orleans and St. George’s School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Family Practice at Prince George’s Hospital Center in Maryland and practiced Family Medicine in Gretna for thirty years. He served in the U.S. Navy and was the Assistant General Chairman of the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo from 1971 to 1990.

Donny, or Doc, as he was known to many, graduated from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Reserve Academy in 1996. He was promoted to Colonel by Sheriff Harry Lee and later promoted to Deputy Chief by Sheriff Joseph P. Lopinto, III in 2019. He was the doctor for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, participated in SWAT rolls, yearly attended the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo with JPSO deputies and attended all of the Metairie carnival parades to be of help in case any deputies were injured.

Donny had a particularly special place in his heart for the Sunshine Kids, a nonprofit foundation for children with cancer. He looked forward to their arrival in the city twice a year and accompanied them to ensure that the children received medical attention if necessary.

Donny was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking walks on his country property with his golden retriever, Brutus. He will be remembered for his keen sense of humor, ever present smile, kindness and compassion, his unselfish generosity and his deep faith in God. Also, for his love of family, friends, patients and the JPSO community.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church located at 1609 Carrollton Avenue, Metairie, LA 70005, followed by a Requiem Mass at 12 noon conducted by Father Mark Raphael. Interment will be private at a later date.

His family wishes to thank his devoted team of loving caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Donny’s memory to The Sunshine Kids Foundation, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or a charity of your choice.