Philip R. Peterson

November 22, 1922 - January 17, 2024

Philip Reynold Peterson passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024, at 101 years old. (After, in his recent words, going “about as far as you can go.”) Phil was born to Axel and Alice Peterson in Yakima, Wash., on November 22, 1922. He grew up in Turtle Lake, Wis., and San Francisco and was a longtime resident of San Mateo County. Phil joined the Navy at the age of 19 and, during WWII, served in the Pacific as a Torpedoman’s Mate Second Class on the submarine tender USS Fulton. After the War, he worked at the carpet and furnishings company D. N. & E. Walter & Company in San Francisco, where he met Doris J. “June” Lagomarsino. The two married in 1968. Phil and June spent the next 52 years together, sharing their love of gardening, travel, and the outdoors.

He is survived by his brothers, Stanley Peterson of Monte Sereno, Calif., and Jack Peterson of Reno, Nev.; and his many nieces; nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and great-greatnieces and nephews, who all adored him. He was also a favorite uncle of and will be remembered fondly by his wife, June’s niece, Lois Erasmy, and her extended family. Phil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June; and brother, Earl.

At his 100th birthday celebration, Phil received many video birthday wishes from family and friends. Upon learning of Phil’s birthday milestone, the Director Emeritus of the Yakima Valley Museum sent Phil this message: “You are proof that the Yakima Valley grows sturdy, longlasting products—including people.”

Phil loved woodworking and gardening and spent every day tending to his flowers, fruit trees, and vegetable garden. He was patient, hardworking, and inseparable from his wife, June. We will greatly miss his optimism, strength of character, midwestern resolve, and much-loved Swedish confidence, and will remember many of his expressions, including “stay the course.” Phil’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to Cynthia Abad for being so kind and providing excellent care for him.

Funeral Services will be held at: Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, 1370 El Camino Real, Colma, Calif. 94014, on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.