Robert Peter Peterson, 86, passed away Monday, Nov. 28, 2011 at Ridge Rest Assisted Living in Columbus. He was born March 26, 1925 in Perth Amboy, N.J. to the late Einer and Marjorie Lynch Peterson. He was also preceded in d aeath by his wife of 43 years, Rita Bernice Slee Peterson, and a brother, Edward Peterson.
Robert is survived by his daughters, Karen Anne Di-
Stefano and husband Frank of Mooresville, N.C. and Kathy Lynn Cunha of Tryon; four grandchildren, Kris DiStefano, Peter DiStefano, Brianna Cunha and Joseph Cunha, and a great- granddaughter, Aundréa Jonnae Fox.
Mr. Peterson was a former resident of Sayreville, N.J. and retired in Tamarac, Fla. He was a WWII veteran, serving as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific. He worked for National Lead Industries in Sayreville, N.J. and was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Perth Amboy, N.J. He served on the church vestry, Order of the Eastern Star and Masonic Temple of South Amboy, N.J.
A memorial service will be held at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Tryon at a later date.  To sign Mr. Peterson’s online registry, please visit www.ashevillemortuaryservices.com.