ROBERT PETERSON, MELBOURNE

Robert James Peterson, 83, died on Friday, May 16, 2008 in Melbourne, FL. He was born on April 3, 1925 in Marinette, Wisconsin. A veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War, Robert served honorably for 30 years, serving in the U.S. Army 1st Special Forces and retired as a Sgt. Major. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of The United States, Post No. 4206 and the American Legion, Post No. 0163 in Melbourne.

After retirement in 1972, his family moved to Titusville, FL. He worked for the Brevard County Sheriffs Dept. and Kennedy Space Center Security.

He was an avid football fan who loved watching his Green Bay Packers. Robert was preceded in death by his first wife Aileen; daughter Lisa Merritt; sisters, Ilean, Olive, and Carol. He is survived by his loving wife Marie; daughter, Donna Peterson; daughter and son- in-law, Robin and Daniel Snyder; grandchildren, Tracey Doherty, William Lawson, Robert and Stephen Merritt; great-granddaughter, Victoria Lawson; sister, Carmen Nystrom of Marinette, Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Jack Jacobs; four stepchildren, their families and grandchildren, and many more loving extended family and friends. Roberts love of life and his wonderful humor will be greatly missed.

A Service will be held at Beach Funeral Home West Chapel Monday, May 19th at 11 a.m. A private viewing will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Robert to Crossroads Com munity Church, 2436 Croton Road, Melbourne, FL. Condolences may be sent to www.beachfuneralhome.com