Phillip J. Peterson

Phillip J. Peterson, 83, of Arlington, formerly of Reading, died on Thursday, March 2 at the Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge.

Born in Stoneham on January 13, 1940, he was the son of the late James and Mabel (Chace) Peterson.

Phillip was a graduate of St. John’s Preparatory High School and went on to Boston College. He was a salesman for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, working well past the age of 70.

Phillip was known for his great love of the outdoors and all kinds of physical activity: climbing mountains, long distance biking, working in the forest, and helping to rebuild a section of the Appalachian trail.

Phillip is survived by his seven children; James Peterson and his wife Elaine of Modesto, CA, Brenda Rienzo and her husband Francis of Mendon, MA, Eric Peterson and his wife Robin of Denver, CO, Jennifer Lenihan and her husband Anthony Anzalone, of Reading, MA, John Peterson and his wife Neeru of Framingham, MA, Kristen St. George and her husband William of Holliston, MA and Susan Crogan and her husband Christopher, of Reading, MA. Phillip is survived by 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Phillip was predeceased by his twin sister Phyllis Peterson. He is survived by his nephew, Mark Peterson of Florida, as well as Mark’s children Ann Marie Crescent and Mark Peterson Jr., and Ann Marie’s son, Noah Crescent.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main Street, Stoneham starting at 11am on Saturday, March 11th. Funeral Services will be held there at 1pm.