Alan Peterson

CARBONDALE – Alan Peterson, 85, passed away on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at his residence surrounding be loving family of caregivers.



Mr. Alan Peterson was born on Tuesday, July 11, 1933 to Peter and Rose (Schlesinger) Peterson in Bronx, New York.



Mr. Alan proudly served our country in the Korean War in the Navy. On August 27, 1952 he was on a ship that sank but miraculously Mr. Alan survived demonstrating his incredible will to live and keen survival tactics. In 1960, he received a medal and certificate of merit from the Bronx, New York, ASPCA, for jumping into the East River and rescuing a struggling fox terrier who was caught by the tide.

That was only one of the many adventures, and journeys that his vast life paths would take him on. His name is on the Wall of Tolerance in Montgomery, Alabama, along with others who have pledged to take a stand against hate, injustice and intolerance.

In his grandchildren’s eyes he was the most interesting heroic man with many exciting real-life, tall tales to tell. Once Mr. Peterson returned from the Navy he started a thirty year career working for New York State on the Triborough and Marine Parkway Bridges as a supervisor employed by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority until his retirement in 1988. It was a job for the select few who had the courage and skill to work at such heights and dangerous environments. Mr. Alan Peterson made it seem easy. His children recall how sometimes he would take them to work to observe all the huge ships that would pass by underneath. It was an exciting experience that created many fond memories of spending time with dad. Mr. Peterson was a supporter of the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation. He was a member of the National Association of Fleet Tug Sailors, a member of the Crab Orchard Sailing Association, Carbondale, Illinois, a member of the Harlem Yacht Club, City Island, New York, and a member of the U.S.S. Sarsi Survivors Association. His continuous appreciation for Southern Illinois’ natural beauty was expressed by a devoted membership to the Crab Orchard Lake Association.





He leaves behind a grand legacy of his son, Eric A. Peterson and spouse Donna of Hopewell Junction, NY; four daughters, Bonnie Peterson of Largo, Florida, Edie Hilton, of Brewster, NY, Rose and spouse Bill Corrao of Mahopac, NY, and Jean Muller, of Newport, R.I.; thirteen Grandchildren and eighteen Great-Grandchildren with one more on the way. Grandchildren include, Athena Stone, Karina Mitchell, Catherine Mullaney, William Van Dam, John Covais, Gina MeMahon, Jennifer Holly, Nicole Corrao, Kristopher and Alana Strock, Christina, Melissa and Deanna Peterson. Great-Grandchildren, Kailee Squillante, Sara and David Dyer, Lillian, Joanna and Khloe Mitchell, Kayleigh Prisco, Liam and Lucas Mullaney and Brianna, Madison and Kelsey McMahon, Dakota and John Holly, James and Eliana McElmurry, and Damien and Dante Peterson.



Mr. Alan Peterson was preceded in death by his brother George Peterson; his sister Edith Feehan and his daughter Victoria Keasbey; his grandchildren, Michael Mintline and Michael Hilton.



A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday September 25, 2018 at Crab Orchard Lake Pavillion to honor Mr. Alan’s wishes in Carbondale officiated by Reverend Ivan Ryan.



Meredith Funeral Home of Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. For more information, or to share a story or memory of Alan please visit ww.meredithfh.com