NEWPORT - Peter S. Peterson, 60, of Barney Street, Newport, and Jacksonville, FL died Friday, January 11, 2013 at home in Newport unexpectedly.  He was the husband of Debra (Simcox) Peterson and devoted father to Mikaela, Erin and Michael.

Born in Fort Dix, New Jersey on June 23, 1952. He was a son of the late Peter M. and Janet M. (Lee) Peterson. Peter was a gifted athlete; he attended De La Salle Academy, playing football for Arthur Bell and Rogers High School, playing for Coach John Toppa.

He was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1974. For the past 20 years he was in Civil Service working for the government in the Jacksonville, Florida area.  Peter was an avid sports fan, a 13-year season ticket holder for the New England Patriots. He loved Newport and especially the "Ocean Drive".

Besides his wife Debra he is survived by his daughter Mikaela Peterson, his step daughter Erin Lepley, step son Michael Blevins, his sisters Christine Bowler and Lisa Knerr and her husband Daniel, his brothers Paul Peterson and his wife Nancy, Matthew Peterson, John Peterson and Andrew Peterson and his wife Stacey; a niece Casey Morse, nephews Paul Brendan Peterson, Ronald and Michael Bowler, Cole and Logan Peterson and eight step-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at St. Mary's Church, Spring Street, Newport at 9 a.m. Burial will be private.

Visiting hours are on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at the O'Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring Street, Newport, from 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flower's, donation's in Peter's name to, the Potter League for Animals, P.O. Box 412, Newport, RI  02840.