Obituary of Robert E. Peterson

Robert E. Peterson, age 81, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2018 after a brief illness. Bob, as he was known, was an engineer through and through - loving the challenge of any mechanical problem or issue and finding deep satisfaction in a crafty solution performed with intense precision. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in mechanical engineering, became a licensed Professional Engineer in PA and NJ and enjoyed a long and interesting career working for U.S. Steel, Hoffmann- La Roche, Excel Engineering and Methacton School District until his retirement in 1999. Bob enjoyed building, tinkering and reconfiguring including building the family home in Belvidere, New Jersey in 1972. He took great pride in being a handyman that could literally fix or build anything and never did anything in a shoddy manner. Bob was active in local politics in Belvidere, serving as a councilman and Police Commissioner. Through his wife Suzanne of 48 years, who pre-deceased him in 2013, he became active in Masons and Eastern Star, serving as the Most Worthy Grand Patron. He was a proud member of Mantua Lodge and Mantua Chapter OES. Bob and Sue enjoyed traveling the world with their Eastern Star friends including trips to Germany and Switzerland, Jamaica, Northwestern Canada and throughout the United States. Bob and Sue moved to West Deptford in 2005 to be near their grandchildren. Bob enjoyed babysitting, playing with and teaching his two grandchildren how to build and fix things (though they did not enjoy the proclivity of enjoyment or talent he possessed!). Bob was active in the community after moving to South Jersey, becoming a Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Woodbury Heights and overseeing or assisting with maintenance and repairs at the church for many years. He was also active in the homeowner's association, interested in making the community better for all its residents. Bob is survived by his daughters Karen McGuinness (Bill) and Amy Peterson, and grandchildren Mary McGuinness and Andrew McGuinness. He is also survived by brothers Dale (Gina), Dean Thomas (Debbie) and Jon (Lynn). Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bob's viewing on Friday evening after 6 PM in the McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury where a Masonic Service and Funeral Ceremony will follow at 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, Bob's family requests donations made to the First Presbyterian Church of Woodbury Heights,335 Elm Avenue, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097.