Whitman Christopher J. Peterson, 64 died Friday March 2nd in the Brocton Hospital after a period of failing health.
Born in Brockton a son of Alton E. and Mary A. (Sullivan) Peterson, he grew up in Whitman and was a graduate of Whitman-Hanson High School in 1960.
He serviced aboard ship as a Communications Officer in the United State Navy for thirteen years, traveling to Japan, the Azores, Puerto Rico, as well as many other ports.
Chris was appointed a Career Firefighter on April 1, 1973 and became a Certified EMT in 1977.
He attended Fire Science Courses @ Massasoit Community College and served as President of the Whitman Firefighters Union, Local 1769 for several years. He was also active in the International Association of Firefighters and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts. He retired from the Whitman Fire-Rescue Department on October 14, 2000 after more than 27 years of service.
He served as a local coordinator for the firefighter’s favorite charity, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and annual Labor Day Telethon for Gerry’s kids, helping to raise thousands of dollars.
He was an avid fan of the Red Sox & Patriots, and loved fishing, boating and hiking. He enjoyed traveling to visit friends in Europe.
He is survived by his brothers; Robert Peterson and his wife Jane of Easton and George Peterson of Amesbury; his sister Mary Keane of New Boston, NH. and several nieces & nephews.
His funeral will be held Wednesday March 7th at 9:15 AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Route 58 @ the rotary circle) Whitman, followed by a funeral mass @ 10:00 AM in the Holy Ghost Church, School Street, Whitman. Burial will follow in the St. James Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday March 6th from 4-8 PM. Donations may be made to the New England Shelter For Homeless Veterans, 17 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108. or to the ALS Association / Massachusetts Chapter, 75 McNeill Way / Suite 201, Dedham, MA 02026. www.blanchardfc.com