David Hill Peterson ’61

Pete died unexpectedly Jan. 1, 2018, in Denver, Colo., at age 77, after a fun-filled family gathering on New Year’s Day.

Born in Trenton, he was the grandson, son, brother, and nephew of Princetonians (1904, ’34, ’65, and ’38 respectively), and was proud that his family founded the Hopewell area. Dave came to Princeton from the Taft School. At Princeton he majored in politics, played varsity hockey, and took his meals at Charter Club. His senior-year roommates were Bob Haines and Peter Thauer.

Entering naval aviation after college, David went to flight school in Pensacola, Fla., and flew the aircraft carriers Saratoga, Forrestal, and Lexington. Upon returning to civilian life, he flew for Pan American until 1989, and then joined Delta. In 1995 Pete retired as a captain following the diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Dave was a brilliant, gentle, and humorous man who endured 26 years of Parkinson’s disease without complaint. He was a great golfer, fisherman, and sailor.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lynn; loving and devoted children Suzanne, Noel, and David Jr.; grandchildren Madelynn, Collin, Elizabeth, David III, Eliza, and Bronwyn; and four great-grandchildren.