John A. Peterson

John A. Peterson 1945-2022 DURHAM, MAINE--John A. Peterson, 76, of Durham, Maine and formerly of Boylston, MA, died Wednesday May 11 in Portland, Maine. He was born June 29, 1945 in Worcester the son of John and Gladys (Paul) Peterson. He attended Norwich University then graduated from Springfield College. John married Paula Scher in 1968. He worked for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette first as a reporter and later as a copy editor. He retired from Hanover Insurance Company. John (Peter, Pete, Dad, or Bapa to his family and friends) had an insatiable intellectual curiosity - he was a thinker. He was genuine and openminded wanting mostly to understand why things are the way they are. From his dedication to his family and its genealogy, to his fascination of the cyclical nature of life. He explored and learned all he could, leading to hobbies like mastering rockabilly and honkytonk on the piano, riding a chopper motorcycle, flying a variety of aircraft, and pitching in senior league baseball. More recently, participating in think-tank style gatherings with neighbors and metal detecting the local woods and on old farm properties captured his interest. Peter also fancied himself an amateur moonshiner and prided himself on being the family's chief chipmunk trapper. His playful and mischievous sense of humor often involved talking to Murphy (of Murphy's Law) and finding the irony in situations where he found himself and others. After Peter and Paula followed their daughter and family to Maine, his greatest joy became watching his grandsons' grow up. He was their best wrestling opponent, bucking horsey, and scary monster. He was undoubtedly their biggest cheerleader on the sidelines. Even with all his interests, it was his family that kept his attention. Peter was a dedicated husband, dad, and grandfather - brimming with love and pride. John was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Paula Peterson; his daughter, Kristin Guibord and her husband Michael of North Yarmouth, ME and his grandsons, Orion and Jonah Guibord. His sister-in-law Barbara Scher of West Boylston MA, brother-in-law Gerry Scher of Worcester Ma, A graveside service will be held at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Boylston, MA on June 25, 2022 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St Joseph's Indian School, PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326 www.stjo.org or a charity important to you. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. To view John's memorial page or share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com