Dean Peterson

Dean Peterson, 80, of Green Cove Springs, Florida, passed away early Wednesday morning, August 31st, 2016, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island on January 3rd, 1936. He was raised by his loving mother, Margaret Callahan, in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and graduated from Franklin High School. He attended Northeastern University, and continued on to graduate studies. He met Phyllis, his wife of 54 years, at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. They settled in the quaint town of Northport, New York, where Dean was employed as a high school biology teacher for 33 years. Upon his retirement, they moved to Magnolia Point in Green Cove Springs, Florida, drawn by the golf and the friendly community. He continued to teach biology for 10 years as an adjunct professor at FCCJ. The church was very important to him, and he served in many different capacities throughout his life. He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, work ethic, friendship, and his unwavering devotion to his family and to God. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Peterson, his daughter, Kathryn Gulitti (Michael), his son, Michael Peterson (Amy), his grandchildren, Emily Gulitti, Nicholas Gulitti, and Rosemary Peterson. The family wishes to thank the many friends and community members of Magnolia Point who supported them and surrounded them with love during Dean's journey. A celebration of Dean's life will be held at the Orange Park United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 10th, at 11:00am. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Community Hospice of NE FL, or Orange Park United Methodist Church. Please sign the family’s online guest book at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.