William R Peterson, Jr.'s Obituary
Denton, Maryland - William R. Peterson, Jr. passed away Friday January 2, 2026, after a long illness. Bill was born October 15, 1943 in Altoona, PA to William (Pete) and Hazel (Bonnie) Peterson. He graduated from Atherton High School in Louisville, KY, earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Miami University Oxford, Ohio, and a Master's degree in Russian Studies from Georgetown University. He met Jean Elaine Read at Miami U.; they were married in September of 1965, and they recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.
Bill was a decorated Air Force Officer and served in Viet Nam and Laos 1967-68; and he held various civilian posts in Dept. of Defense agencies. He spent his retirement years chronicling events during his years of service and authored many articles, and a draft of a book on the raid at Lima Site 85. During his time at NSA, Bill was a team member in the negotiations resulting in the Camp David Accords. He was Public Relations Chairman of the Thailand Laos Cambodia Brotherhood (TLCB) and he was instrumental in developing techniques for locating remains of servicemen deemed missing in action.
Bill was an active member of church life in Wye Parish, and he attended services at Saint Lukes Chapel in Queenstown. He was known to be a biblical scholar, and he especially enjoyed Wye Parish Kerygma studies. He was also an accomplished artist who enjoyed painting Eastern Shore scenes. He was happiest with a fishing pole in his hands, in any weather. He was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren, and he delighted in their many accomplishments. Bill is survived by his loving family: wife Jean Peterson (Read); Daughter Kristin C. Elswick (Darren) of Crownsville, son Erik Read Peterson (Melinda) of Smithville, and nine grandchildren: John M. Borrelli III, Nickolas R. Borrelli, Bram S. Elswick, Livia J. Elswick, Haley M. Peterson, Kayla J. Peterson, McKenna K. Peterson, Mason Lambert, Meghan Lambert, and two great grandchildren: Layden Worthy and Rosalie E. Borrelli.
Funeral service and burial will be held at Maryland Veterans Cemetery on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial gathering at the Federalsburg VFW for fellowship and memories celebrating of a life of service to God and Country.
Those wishing to contribute to Mr. Peterson's memory may do so to the Vestry of Wye Parish towards the St. Luke's Window Restoration (P.O. Box 98, Wye Mills, MD 21679).
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