Richard C. "Dick" Petersen

Tega Cay, SC
Richard C "Dick" Petersen Sr. died at home Saturday, June 13th, 2015, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on the 4th of July 1936 in Hartford, CT and lived in Canton until moving to Tega Cay, SC in 2006.
He leaves behind his wife, Joy of 58 years, two children; a son Rick Petersen and a daughter Robin and son-in-law, Scott Atwater, two granddaughters; Jessica Jacques and husband Patrick, expecting a great grandchild, Kiley Blakley and husband Joe, great grandsons Tristan and Trevor.
He was predeceased by his father Christopher, mother Gladys, and brother Daniel.
Dick was an avid herpetologist, naturalist, conservationist, educator, and preservationist. His contributions are numerous to his country, city and communities. He founded the Connecticut Herpetological Society, and was its first president. He wrote two publications for the State Geological Natural History Survey of Connecticut: Bulletin #103 and #111: Connecticut's Venomous Snakes - The Timber Rattlesnake and Northern Copperhead. In Tega Cay, he co-authored The Checklist of "Amphibians and Reptiles of Tega Cay, and started the "Save the Box Turtle" campaign to raise awareness of the Plight of the Eastern Box Turtle. He founded the Tega Cay Veterans Association and was its first commander and chaplain. He was also the chaplain of the Marine Corps League of the Hardware City Detachment of New Britain, CT and also served as Commander of VFW Post #3272 in Avon, CT. He became a member of Albert-Johnson American Legion Post #90 in Collinsville, CT and was a life member of Olde English Leathernecks Detachment Marine Corps League in Rock Hill, SC. Dick was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, and also was a Master Mason of Village Lodge #29 Collinsville, CT. He was a member of his hometown church: First Congregational Church Canton Center, CT for over 50 years where he served as church president and a deacon.
His accomplishments and awards were endless, and his life was well lived. Dick was a devoted husband and mentor to his children and family. He loved bluegrass music, hiking, breakfasts, reading and writing on his old Royal typewriter. He loved UCONN Basketball and the Green Bay Packers.
We must remember that he lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved, and was loved.
A memorial service will be held at Palmetto Funeral Home, 2049 Carolina Place Drive, Fort Mill, SC on June 19th, 2015 at 2 o'clock pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd, Canton, CT 06019, Gildo T. Consolini VFW Relief Fund Post 3272, PO Box 297, Avon, CT 06001, or Tega Cay Veterans Association, 2674 Pleasant Rd, Box 10912, Fort Mill, SC 29708
Charlotte Observer, Thursday June 18, 2015 paid with photo
Rock Hill Herald Thursday, June 18, 2015 paid with photo
Fort Mill Time next edition paid with photo

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