Herbert Wright Peterson Jr.

Herbert W. Peterson Jr. passed away April 26th after a prolonged illness. He was born in Elmira, NY to Herbert W. Peterson Sr. and Jessie Mansfield Peterson. He attended schools in Elmira until the family moved to Canisteo, NY where he played baseball, basketball and football. After graduation, he attended SUNY Brockport where he met his future wife, Faith Still. Herb majored in Electrical Engineering at the University of Alfred where he received this degree. He joined IBM in 1957 and was an early instructor in the education department, teaching hardware and software in Poughkeepsie, NY. The technology was so new it was necessary to write the manuals and text. Herb and a colleague developed most teaching programs as well as taught. He left the education department after becoming a manager and taught for twenty years. He then served on a five man advisory board to the President of IBM, greater Poughkeepsie area. In 1990, Herb completed 35 years with IBM and took early retirement moving to South Dennis, MA, where he continued with his computer knowledge in a consulting business.

Herb spent his winters in Fort Myers, FL at Holiday Condo Park where he served on the park board financing committee and participated in many park functions.

He also spent many years involved in the community of New Paltz, NY. He served as President of Jaycees where he was involved with sponsoring a cottage of young boys at the Highland Training School for Boys. At the Reform Church, he was an Elder and a Deacon and part of the Greater Consistory, dealing mostly with finances. Herb also coached Little League Baseball and was active with the Lions Club.

After moving to Cape Cod, he was active at the Pilgrim Congregation Church of Harwichport, serving as a trustee on the finance committee and active in the Men’s Club.

Herb was married in Westfield, NY to Faith Still in 1957. He is survived by his wife; his son Sean Peterson of Highland, NY and grandchildren David, Hannah and Emily; his son Kyle Peterson of Tillson, NY; his son Joel Peterson of South Dennis, MA and grandchildren Garrett, Shayne and Amanda; and his daughter Kara Peterson Waldheim and son-in-law Eric and grandchildren Kerry and Cory. He is also survived by two brothers, Dr. William Peterson of Northford, CT and Charles Peterson of Clayton, NY. as well as several nieces and nephews.

Cape Cod Papa will be sadly missed by his family and especially his eight grandchildren.

The Peterson family wishes to thank Liberty Commons for their loving, considerate care over the years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Herb’s memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) P. O. Box 37920 , Boone, IA 50037-0920 or the Leukemia Foundation.