Richard Francis “Pete” Peterson, 78, a well known retired Manchester high school teacher, died August 22, at his home in Bedford, NH after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on March 2, 1933 to the late Frank E. and Mary E. (Leavitt) Peterson and had resided in Bedford for 46 years. A 1951 graduate of Portsmouth High School, Mr. Peterson also graduated from Keene State College in 1960. He was a US Air Force veteran and served during the Korean War from 1952 until 1956 where he was stationed in Mississippi, Alaska and Delaware.

Mr. Peterson was a graphic arts teacher at Manchester Central High School for 34 years, and retired in 1994. Following retirement, he continued to provide printing services for the City of Manchester and SAU #37 for several years. He also taught driver’s education for many years throughout the academic school year and during summer school. He touched the lives of many and left a lasting impression on his students as well as educators and colleagues who knew and worked with him.

Among his many professional and community activities, Mr. Peterson was a member of First Congregational Church, Manchester. He was also a member of the Lodge Council Chapter Consistory, Scottish Rite Bodies in the Nashua Valley as well as a member of the Masonic Washington Lodge No. 61 of Manchester, NH. He loved to travel with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Eleanor (Elias) Peterson and his loving family; including son David Peterson and his wife, Amy; daughter Karen Peterson Griswold and her husband, Fred; grandchildren Rebecca and Jared Griswold and Elyza and Graham Peterson as well as many nieces and nephews. Mr. Peterson was predeceased by his sisters, Mildred Giambalvi, Dorothy Allen and brothers Frank, Harold and Phillip Peterson.

Mr. Peterson’s wife, children and grandchildren were the loves of his life. He was a kind and gentle person who will be dearly missed. Calling hours will be Friday from 3 to 5 P.M. in Goodwin Funeral Home, 607 Chestnut Street, corner of Harrison Street, Manchester. The funeral service is Saturday at 11:00 A.M. at First Congregational Church, 508 Union Street, Manchester. Rev. David Neil will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Manchester. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2 Commerce Drive, Suite 110, Bedford, NH 03110 or the Home Health & Hospice Care, Attn: Development, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Please go to www.goodwinfh.com to sign the online guestbook.