Richard Jule Peterson (Rick) was born August 6th, 1952, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, called to be with Jesus on February 26th, 2023, at the age of 70 after a challenging battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
He was preceded in death by father Eugene Peterson and Mother Marguerite Peterson, and son C.J. Peterson. Survived by his loving wife Michele Renee Peterson of 18 years and his brothers Gene (Gail) and Don (Terri), sister Marybeth and his four daughters Amy Welch (Ted), Julie Atkinson (Mike), Shaina Davis (Rich) and Erica Coffee (Michael). Grandchildren: Chaz (Ana), Emmy, TJ, Cruz, Keaton, Cotton, Noah, Raycelyn, Isaac, Asa, Aiden, Lily, and Malachi. Niece: Larisa, Nephews: Michael (Christy) and Lucas. Adored family pet Daisy.
Rick was a successful restaurateur with over 50 years in the industry where he developed and maintained not only incredible companies but lifelong friendships. His career highlights included building relationships with Professional Sports Teams. Rick could often be found enjoying a Phoenix Suns Basketball game or cheering on his Arizona Diamondbacks. Rick was always active in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as it was near and dear to his heart.
He loved escaping the Arizona heat and heading for the sunny beaches of California. Rick has many beautiful memories on Coronado Beach, including marrying Michele 18 years ago. Rick always made sure his family was by his side even if it meant renting out the entire bottom floor of an oceanfront hotel.
Rick was an undisputed team leader on the softball fields who inspired his team with his passion for playing. He did whatever was asked…if the team needed a catcher (not the most glorious position in slow-pitch) he caught; if the team was short at 3rd base, he took 500 ground balls there to become the starter; and when the team lost their pitching staff, he (with Michele’s help) taught himself and became a highly effective pitcher. In 2007, he won the Ironman Award, playing in all 143 games, the only guy to do so. He was supportive of his teammates and always (ALWAYS) had his Coach, Dennis’s back. Rick was the heart and soul of CJ&S Softball Team.
He loved being a Grandfather and will always be remembered by his grandchildren as Paca. Paca could be found on the sidelines or in the stands being his grandkids biggest fan as well as their loudest supporter. He was never afraid to make sure everyone knew his grandkids were the BEST. Rick will always be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, supportive brother, proud uncle, playful Paca and a great friend to all.
Services will be held on Thursday, March 16th at McDowell Mountain Community Church, 10700 North 124th Street Scottsdale, Arizona 85259 at 1pm. Reception to follow.
My friend Rick in my eyes was a man who lived at the 💯 level..never quit kept coming back …and believed that when it was his time he would have given everything he got.. had nothing left and would leave nothing on the table🙏RIP Rick💯
Story… I was training him at the time when he had a knee replacement which got infected. They put him on antibiotics and he carried the machine around with him while he worked out💯 JD
I’m so sorry for the loss of a former neighbor and a wonderful person. Hugs to all.
Julie and family— my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Much love!
Lost a man of passion and caring .. He andwife made the game fun with support.
My deepest and most heart full condolences for your loss. Hold those memories close. He will be watching over you.
Sincerely,
Karen Hand (Ana’s Aunt)
Truly an extraordinary man of deep and unconditional love for all of his beautiful family members. An amazing father who loved all of his children, especially CJ, who was taken too early to heaven after suffering frim Cystic Fibrosis for seven years. He will be remembered as one of the most honorable, kind and loving parent for all who knew him. May he and CJ be best buds now that Rick has joined him in heaven.
So sorry guys Rick made me feel so at home when I was out there .wish I could be there for all of you but just can’t I love you.