Dennis C. Peterson

WINCHENDON - Dennis C. Peterson, 63, of 274 Maple Street, Winchendon, died unexpectedly Thursday morning, September 4th, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner. He was born in Winchendon on March 25,1945, the son of the late Howard E. and Dorothy R. (Dery) Peterson and had lived in Winchendon for most of his life. Dennis was a Rural Route Carrier in the Peterborough and Rindge, NH Post Offices for almost 30 years. He retired five years ago on January 3,2003. Many years ago, Dennis had managed the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Gardner. He was a 1963 graduate of Murdock High School and then served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. In 1968, Dennis received his Associate's Degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management from the University of Massachusetts. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion. His hobbies included yard work, walking, reading and picking blueberries. His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Dennis leaves his wife of 40 years, Elaine C. (Betourney) Fitzmaurice Peterson; four children, Curt J. Fitzmaurice and his wife Denise A. of Winchendon, Dana P. Fitzmaurice and his wife Melissa of Cataula, GA., Todd P. Fitzmaurice and his wife Beth of Grafton, and Lisa M. Chaisson and her husband Dean of Westminster; two brothers, Dale Howard Peterson of Chesterfield, NH and Jerry D. Peterson of Amherst, NH; a sister, Trudy A. Croff of Barre, MA.; his stepmother, Isabelle V. (Dunchus) Peterson of Winchendon; a stepbrother, Robert L. Paradise of Winchendon; two stepsisters, Patti L. Conway of So. Dartmouth and Linda V. Bevan of Winchendon; nine grandchildren, Daniel P. Fitzmaurice, Brianne Marie Fitzmaurice, Richard John Fitzmaurice, Kelsey Marie Fitzmaurice, Tyler M. Fitzmaurice, Tess E. Fitzmaurice, Casey H. Woodard, Haley A. Chaisson and Ashley M. Chaisson, and several nephews and nieces. A brother, Carl A. Peterson, was killed in action in Vietnam in 1969. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 8th from the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Sunday, September 7th from 5 to 8 P.M. with a Legion Service at 6:30 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Restoration Fund, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon, MA. 01475. www.snow-ladeau.com