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Lewis L. Peterson

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Lewis L. (Pete) Peterson passed away peacefully in his daughter’s home on Cape Cod on Dec. 20, 2019, with family by his side. He was born on Oct. 9, 1935, in Jamestown, New York, and grew up in Chautauqua. 

He graduated from Chautauqua Central School in 1954 and served in the U.S. Army in Germany for 2 years. Upon his return, he met Judie, the love of his life, and they were married in 1960. 

Pete was employed as assistant mechanic and bus driver for CCS from 1957 until 1965. He then worked as a carpenter, during which time he built a beautiful home for his family. He was a member of Hurlbut Memorial Church in Chautauqua, had been a member of the Chautauqua Fire Department, and was gifted a lifetime membership in the Mayville VFW in appreciation of carpentry and electrical work he did in their building. From 1973 to 1976 he and his family lived in Painted Post, New York, where he was buildings and grounds superintendent for Watson Homestead Camp and Conference Center. In 1976, he and his wife bought Camp Prendergast near Chautauqua, which they owned and operated for 32 years until his retirement in 2008. 

During those years, he made many longtime friendships with campers and enjoyed visiting with them as he toured the campground in his golf cart. He and Judie then moved to live year-round in their home on Victoria Road, and he could often be found working under the hood or in the seat of his antique Mustangs and Ranchero truck.

Pete dearly loved his family and was so proud of each one of them. He looked forward to family times shared, and individual times with each one of them. He is survived by his wife, Judie; his son Bill Peterson (wife Christine) and their son Adam of Mayville, New York; daughter Margaret Dietly of Chautauqua and her daughter Megan of Tokyo; and daughter Julie Drake (husband Jeff) of Brewster, Massachusetts, and her children Christian (Rachel) Herwig, Andrew (Caitlin) Herwig, and Karli Herwig; and his half-sister, Rebecca Rogers of Hermitage, Pennsylvania.

He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret Barton Peterson of Chautauqua, his father, George Monroe Peterson of Mercer, Pennsylvania, two infant brothers, and half-brother, John Peterson of Denver.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, or to a hospice of your choice.

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