Raymond E Peterson

On Wednesday, September 9th, 2020, the family of Raymond Edward Peterson welcomes you to join them. Details and directions for both the funeral and graveside services are listed below, and there will be an after-service gathering at the home of Tom and Marylou Peterson at 3 pm. The address is 2038 E. Mount Vernon Ave., Orange, CA 92867.

Raymond was born on January 8th, 1939 (The same birthday as “The King” Elvis Presley, as he loved to point out annually.), in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He spent his childhood growing up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island with his father, mother, and brother. He excelled in sports, with baseball being his favorite. The decision to choose the 9th as our day to remember him was inspired by 9 being the jersey number of his all-time favorite player: legendary Red Sox outfielder, Ted Williams. After the tragic loss of his young mother, Ray moved to Southern California in his early twenties, where he eventually met Joan, the love of his life and future wife of nearly 40 years. Together, they would have two sons, Tommy and Andrew, who carry on his legacy.  

Ray was known for his hard work and dedication to providing the best life he could for his family. He worked for General Motors for 34 years, routinely working overtime, eventually elevating himself from a forklift driver to union president: a position he held for multiple terms, demonstrating the love and admiration held by his co-workers and peers at the plant. At home, he was lovingly nicknamed “Rennaissance Man” by his son, Tommy, due to his uncanny knowledge of...well...everything. He loved spirited debates with family, and always knew how to tell a tall tale. Whether it was his alternate career as a Chippendale’s dancer, or his days running a horse ranch, his often ridiculous stories never ceased to entertain.

In his later years, he enjoyed traveling with his family (the yearly vacation to Lake Tahoe most of all), a playing poker down at Pechenga once a week. He was a savvy investor, watching and reading the stock market with a hawk-like focus on a daily basis. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and was fortunate to be there to see his boys grow up into men molded by his unending love and support. After a years-long battle with several health conditions, Ray went to rest on the evening of August 22, 2020. While he will always be missed, there is comfort in knowing he is finally at peace. His spirit lives on in his wife, Joan Peterson; his sons Tom and Andrew Peterson; and, his young grandson, Maverick Peterson, who will grow up knowing how special his grandfather was from the stories we vow to share.

Please join us in honoring his memory, and please do not hesitate to share your stories of him on our tribute wall. We know how much he would have enjoyed reading them. 

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