Richard R. Peterson 1946-2022

Richard was a devoted husband, an incredible father and grandfather, and a cherished friend. Those lucky enough to know him called him a multitude of names: Dick, Rich, Pete, Dog, and Ricardo to name a few. Richard never knew a stranger, and always knew how to make people feel special and important. He was a master of combining his wit, intelligence, compassion and generosity to help his family, friends and strangers through any situation. These attributes were evident in his tremendous success in both his personal and professional lives.

Richard was born Feb. 11, 1946, in Pittsburgh, to Roy and Marie Peterson. He was a miracle baby and Roy and Marie’s only child. Richard grew up in Pittsburgh and attended St. Teresa’s Catholic School and North Catholic High School. He played baseball, basketball and football growing up, with a strong passion for football in high school. He was the center for his team and won the city championship in 1963. He was so honored to be inducted into North Catholic’s Trojan Hall of Fame in 2017 for his many contributions and lifetime work.

He attended Youngstown State University on a football scholarship and graduated in 1968 with a degree in business administration and marketing. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. His younger years solidified his lifelong love of all things Pittsburgh and YSU, football, and sales management.

Richard had many accomplishments as an adult. He often spoke of building a legacy of leadership and service. He started as a salesman for IBM, which spurred a successful career in sales management which included senior vice president of A. B. DICK Company, executive vice president of Konica (Minolta), president of Amcom Pittsburgh, and senior vice president of Global Imaging Systems (Xerox). He also served as the senior vice president of Jimmy Valvano’s “V Foundation for Cancer Research” after his own battle with cancer. He served on various boards, including Easter Seals of Western and Central Pennsylvania, North Catholic High School Board of Trustees, The Trustees Society of Youngstown State University, YSU’s 12th Man Club and Pittsburgh Urban Planning. He added golf as his passion as an adult, and was an avid golfer and worked hard to win several club championships.

Richard’s greatest accomplishment was the building of his family legacy, which began with his 54-year loving marriage to Janet Barger, formerly of Youngstown. Their love and dedication have provided a strong foundation for their children and grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his adored wife, Janet of Chesterton, Ind.; daughters, Kristin (Donald Bedock) of Lakeville, Ind., and Kerry (Louis Leone) of Valparaiso, Ind.; seven grandchildren, Chad Bari (Rachael), Andrew Bari (Kimberly De Vincent), Quinn Bari (Raina Rampoldt), A.J. Bedock, Erik Bedock, Gillian Leone and Pete Leone; and two great-grandchildren, Stella and Margot Bari.

Calling hours will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, at Edmonds and Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N. Calumet Road, Chesterton, IN 46304.

The family requests memorial gifts be made to the Richard R. Peterson Family Scholarship at the Youngstown State University Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502. You can also give online at ysufoundation.org by clicking “Give Now” and following the prompts.

Online condolences to the family may be made at ee-fh.com.

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