Harry "Don" Peterson

Don Peterson of Cumming, Georgia, passed away on November 29, 2022, at the age of 89 with his family by his side. He cherished family and was blessed with his wife Rita of 65 years, his children Kurt (Linda), Tom (Tracy), and Amy Hasman (JP), his grandchildren Pamela Weber (Stephen), Andie Collins (Nick), Hugh Vergara IV (Caroline), Ryan Vergara (Ainsley), Katherine Jones (Mac), Megan Williams (Trey), Ellie Hasman, Will Hasman, and Katie Hasman, and his 13 great grandchildren. Don is preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Vergara (Hugh III).

Don was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on April 7, 1933. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and graduated from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 1959. His career with Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) brought him to Georgia in 1965. Working in the boating industry provided years of enjoyment and wonderful memories with family and friends at "Rita's Island" on Lake Lanier. Don loved to be the center of attention and entertain with his favorite songs including "When the Red, Red, Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along," "Three Little Fishes," and "It's a Lovely Day Today." He loved family gatherings and especially the annual "Peterson Howl at the Moon" party which he hosted for over 20 years. Don always welcomed anyone to join him and Rita for a glass of wine at "Quittin' Time" on the driveway.

The funeral mass to celebrate Don's life will be held Friday, December 9 at 1:00 PM at St. Brendan's Catholic Church, 4633 Shiloh Road, Cumming, Georgia, 30040. A reception will follow immediately in the church social hall. A private family inurnment service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery on December 15, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

https://www.stjude.org/

https://t2t.org/veteran-homelessness/

In the words of Don, "It's time to party!"

RIP Handsome Don

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