Obituary of Lawrence A. Peterson

Lawrence A. Peterson Jr., 84, of Lakewood, NY passed away Saturday March 23, 2019 in UPMC Chautauqua Hospital. He was born May 21, 1934 in Jamestown the son of the late Lawrence A. Peterson Sr. and Pearle Smith Peterson. Lawrence was a 1954 graduate of Southwestern High School, the first graduating class at the new high school. He developed an interest in trains and worked on the rails during the summer. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Army, proudly serving as a tank mechanic in Korea. During his time in Korea, he volunteered at a carpentry shop, making wooden toys for Korean orphans. After he returned from the service, he went to work as manager of the former Hallenbeck Service Station. For the next 30 years, Lawrence worked at the former Chautauqua Hardware and retired from Falconer Electronics. He was a member of the Busti Church of God and the couples club, the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, and the Lakewood American Legion. He enjoyed watching and feeding the birds, and taking short train excursions. Surviving are his wife of nearly 60 years, Brenda Rightmyer Peterson whom he married October 17, 1959; a son David Peterson (Orpha) of Stockton; two daughters, Heather Gordon (Carleton) of Winsor, NY; Heidi Stenander (William) of Jamestown; six grandchildren, James Peterson of Frewsburg, Joshuah Peterson of Ashville, Danielle Smith (Jacob) of Jamestown, Jeanne Peterson (Gregory) of Kennedy, Christian and Bethany Stenander both of Jamestown; nine great grandchildren; and a brother, Roger D. Peterson (Lorraine) of Hornell, NY. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and David Peterson. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. Pastor Scott Smith of the Busti Church of God will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (two hours prior to the service) Wednesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Busti Church of God, 996 Forest Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701; or the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department, 37 Packard Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750.