John Melvin Peterson

SHARON — John Melvin Peterson passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024, in his home in Sharon, with his wife, Ruby and daughters by his side. He was 87 years old.

John “Pete”, son of the late Melvin and Marie (Aakjar) Peterson, was born in Sharon and attended Housatonic Valley Regional High School, where he enjoyed spending time with President Lincoln in the “smokers gulch,” working on his cars, hunting and fishing. Upon graduation from high school in 1955, Pete joined the Air Force and served 3 years as an Airman Second Class.

With a love of the outdoors, Pete spent many happy hours on the golf course. He was a proud founding member of the golf association ROBOTS (Retired old bastards on tour). In later years, as they travelled, Pete always found time to play 18 holes while Ruby found a beach to walk. Another shared joy was travelling in the 1956 Chevy Peter restored for Ruby, a reminder of their dating days. The cherry red Chevy always stood out with Pete and Ruby flipping a coin for driving rights for the day!

Pete was a proud Boy Scout and served as a troop leader for many years. He shared his love of the outdoors and camping with his Scout troops and his daughters, Lynn and Lesa.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Melvin Peterson, John “Pete” was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Sharon and served as a Master Mason.

Pete could always be relied upon to lend a hand with car repairs, building custom golf clubs and construction projects. His career ranged from time in the automotive industry, serving as a service manager for Ford, founding a general contracting company and in his later years –custom specialty millwork which he often described as a labor of love.

Pete is survived by his wife, Ruby, daughter Lynn Kent and her husband David, daughter Lesa Tennant and her husband Michael, and granddaughters Laura and Jessica.

In lieu of flowers, donations for the Ambulance Fund, Sharon Fire Department, PO Box 357 Sharon, CT 06069 would be appreciated. The family would like to express their overwhelming gratitude to the ambulance crew of the Sharon Fire Department for their support. Special gratitude and appreciation to Linda and Peter Blasini who provided for every need imaginable for Pete and Ruby on this journey.

There will be no services, as Pete preferred seeing all of you while he was alive – he chuckled as he told us that – so smile when you remember Pete because you were part of his wonderful life.

The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.