Donald Edward 'Pete' Peterson died of a heart attack in his home in Yorktown, Virginia, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2005, and went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 64. Pete was born in West Salem, Ill., on Oct. 30, 1940, and spent his childhood in Olney, Ill. ('Home of the White Squirrels'), where he developed his fondness for squirrels.

He has been a Virginia Peninsula resident for over 40 years. Pete was truly a self-made man. His intellect, charisma, and compassion for people made him a consummate businessman.

After serving eight years in the Army with honors, including two tours of Vietnam, he became an agent for Shenandoah Life in 1970. His successful career of over 35 years with Shenandoah garnered him many prestigious awards, including membership in the President's Cabinet, the Million Dollar Round Table, and numerous Agent of the Year Awards. In 1999, he was named as Shenandoah's Top Producer, and his company, 'Peterson and Associates' was named as the top producing agency. He took great pride in the high level of service that he was able to provide his clients.

Pete also served his community. He was active in the Mariner Lion's Club, for whom he served as President in 1979 and 1980; and was a lifetime member of the National Association of Insurance Underwriters. He sponsored numerous local sports organizations, including his son's Little League team. He was an ardent sports fan; and spent his free time enjoying his love of sports.

Pete also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, and playing with his beloved dog Tgen. He looked forward to retirement, which he planned to spend traveling and antiquing with his wife. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

Pete was preceded in death by his father, James Peterson, and his beloved uncle, Paul Webber.

He is survived by his mother, Lottie Sayre of Illinois; two sisters, Shirley Mewes and her husband of Illinois and Charlotte Peterson of California; a step-sister and two step-brothers. He leaves his wife and best friend of 22 years, Joyce Peterson; two daughters, Cheryl Peterson Spivey and her husband of North Carolina and Cynthia Peterson Earl and her husband of Newport News; and a son, Christopher Mark Terry of Hampton. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Andy Spivey, Samuel Earl, James Earl, Amanda Spivey, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held at the Peninsula Funeral Home, Newport News, VA with burial in Peninsula Memorial Park Cemetery, Newport News.

Daily Press (Newport News, VA) - October 3, 2005