Richard "Dick" Peterson

Richard “Dick” C. Peterson passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born to Arthur and Darrell Hews Peterson on Dec 1, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan.  He grew up in Toledo, Ohio where his love of golf began as he excelled on the DeVilbiss High School golf team. He continued his studies and golfing at Cornell University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering.  He further pursued his education at the University of Cincinnati where he received his master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering.  For the greater part of his career, Dick worked at GE Aviation with their French partner SNECMA on the design and development of the best selling engine in the history of aviation which is displayed in the Smithsonian.

Dick was an accomplished golfer winning many local golf tournaments, including the Cincinnati Enquirer Tournament of Champions three times. He qualified to play in the U.S. Amateur five times and was honored as a Cincinnati Legend of Golf.  He served as the president of Kenwood Country Club where he held the course record for years, until its redesign. Although his golf accomplishments were many, his children’s favorite win was the Dr Pepper Open, which entitled his family to a year’s supply of Dr Pepper. 

Dick was  a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Bonnie Naberhaus Peterson; and his children, Christopher Hews Peterson (Kathy) and Holly Peterson Goodyear (Benjamin).  He is cherished and remembered by his four grandchildren, Hanna Peterson, Kelsey Peterson, Tate Goodyear and Evelyn Goodyear Kellar (Paul).

Those of us who knew Dick were fortunate to be touched by his kind and generous nature. Dick cared for those less fortunate, serving for decades as a volunteer for Tender Mercies and St. Vincent de Paul.

Visitation will be Friday, March 8 at Bellarmine Chapel at Xavier University, 3801 Francis Xavier Way, Cincinnati, OH from 9:00-10:00 am followed by a memorial mass.  The burial will immediately follow at Gate of Heaven cemetery, 11000 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati OH.   There will be  a reception at Kenwood Country Club from 1:00-3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul c/o Bellarmine Chapel or the Alzheimer’s Association https://act.alz.org/donate

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